The Washington Capitals announced Monday that Evgeny Kuznetsov would take a step back from the team to enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
After the team’s morning skate on Tuesday, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery addressed Kuznetsov’s absence for the first time since the announcement, noting that the team was not offered many details beyond Kuznetsov’s participation in the program.
“The NHL and the NHLPA (said) he’s gone into the Substance Abuse Program, and that’s a lot of what we know,” Carbery said. “There’s not a lot of background of what we know. There’s not a lot of background information that they share with us, other than just the fact that he’s in the program. So, for us, as an organization, staff, players, it’s just supporting him and his family as he gets the help that he needs.”
In an email to RMNB, Capitals PR clarified that Carbery was referring to the program’s former name, the Substance Abuse/Behavioral Health Program, rather than Kuznetsov’s personal treatment plan.
Carbery further expressed his support for Kuznetsov and his family, a sentiment shared by the team as a whole.
“We talked about it (as a team). There’s not a lot that I can share, other than just here’s what’s going on with your teammate, your brother, a member of our family. And so it’s a lot of people that are concerned for him and his family, and that’s really where a lot of the conversations and thoughts have gone.”
Established in 1996, the player assistance program helps players and their families struggling with substance use, mental health, or other issues. Kuznetsov previously entered the program in 2019 after testing positive for cocaine at that year’s IIHF World Championship.
