Through the Capitals, Evgeny Kuznetsov has released a statement regarding the NHL’s announcement to suspend him for three games following his failed drug test earlier this year. In the statement, Kuznetsov, who has kept a low profile since returning to DC, apologizes for disappointing his family, team, and fans, and says he will not appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan reports that Kuznetsov’s salary-cap hit will not count during his three-game suspension, which should allow the Caps to avoid having to make a roster move before the season begins.
Kuznetsov’s statement, via the Capitals:
I have decided to accept the NHL’s suspension today. I am once again sorry that I have disappointed my family, my teammates, and the Capitals organization and fans. I promise to do everything in my power to win you back with my actions both on and off the ice. I also understand that I am fortunate to have an opportunity to make things right. Thanks to the Capitals, NHL, and NHLPA, I have taken many steps in the right direction and I’m confident that I will continue on that path. I am grateful for everyone’s support and I’m looking to move forward from this point. While I can appreciate that people may have additional questions, I will not be commenting further on this matter.
Kuznetsov’s salary-cap hit will not count against the salary cap during his suspension, Isabelle Khurshudyan reports.
Kuznetsov's cap hit won't count while he is suspended, per team. That's a huge break for Caps considering they're currently $1.3 million over the ceiling.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) September 14, 2019
New depth contracts and salary arbitration caused Washington’s cap space to disappear this summer. General manager Brian MacLellan previously discussed the possibility that he’d have to move players or begin the season with a light roster, as Cap Friendly reports the team is currently over the $81.5 million cap (which came in significantly below expectations earlier this summer). Kuznetsov’s suspension, while unfortunate, comes with a surprise upside for his team, making it easier for the team to fit under the cap before the season begins.
