Colorado Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin is facing a six-month suspension after being placed in the NHL-NHLPA Player Assistance Program for the third time in 13 months. Team officials emphasize that his future with the team depends on his actions and recovery. Nichushkin's absence has impacted the team's performance, and while contract termination is not currently an option, his return is uncertain and contingent on his progress.
Evgeny Kuznetsov made his debut with the Carolina Hurricanes after returning from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play again. Despite not scoring, Kuznetsov made a positive impact on the ice, impressing teammates and coach Rod Brind'Amour with his skills. Acquired to boost the Hurricanes' offense, Kuznetsov aims to contribute and help the team succeed, emphasizing the importance of belief and hard work after overcoming personal challenges.
The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired Evgeny Kuznetsov from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, with Washington retaining 50% of his contract. Kuznetsov, who had been placed on waivers and assigned to the AHL affiliate, is seen as a potential high-end top-six talent by the Hurricanes. The trade comes as the Hurricanes aim to bolster their roster for the playoffs, following their acquisition of Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kuznetsov's tenure in Washington, highlighted by the team's 2018 Stanley Cup win, has been marred by recent struggles, leading to his entry into the player assistance program.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, forward for the Washington Capitals, has been placed on waivers and will be assigned to Hershey of the AHL if he clears waivers. He has not played since Jan. 27 and entered the Player Assistance Program on Feb. 5. Kuznetsov, who has been a healthy scratch on several occasions this season, has one season remaining on his contract with the Capitals.
The Washington Capitals have placed forward Evgeny Kuznetsov on waivers after he was cleared to resume practicing with the team following his entry into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Kuznetsov, a key player in the team's 2018 Stanley Cup win, has struggled this season and carries a hefty cap hit, making a claim unlikely. The Capitals may explore a trade if he goes unclaimed, potentially impacting their playoff aspirations. Kuznetsov's time with the Capitals is marked by on-ice success, particularly during the 2018 Cup run, but also off-ice struggles.
Evgeny Kuznetsov of the Washington Capitals has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program for undisclosed reasons, and will be unavailable to his team for an indefinite period. This program provides support for players and their families dealing with drug and alcohol dependency or mental health issues. Kuznetsov had previously entered the program in 2019 after testing positive for cocaine.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program for undisclosed reasons, leading to an indefinite absence from the team. Laine, who had been recovering from a fractured clavicle, will return to Columbus when cleared by the program's administrators. The 25-year-old has faced various injury setbacks this season, limiting him to 18 games and prompting concern for his well-being from the team's general manager.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for undisclosed reasons and will be away from the team indefinitely. The program provides support for mental health, substance abuse, and other matters, and Laine will continue to be paid during his time in the program. The team has expressed full support for Laine, whose well-being is their primary concern, and no further details will be disclosed.
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for an indefinite period, becoming the second player from the team to do so this season. The 28-year-old's absence from the team in the playoffs last season for personal reasons has now been linked to his entry into the program. No further details were provided, and he will return to the team once cleared by program administrators.
Samuel Girard of the Colorado Avalanche has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and will be unavailable to the team for an indefinite period while receiving care. He will continue to be paid and will return to the team when cleared for on-ice competition.
Alex Galchenyuk, who was recently arrested for a hit and run incident resulting in the termination of his contract with the Arizona Coyotes, is entering the NHL and NHLPA's player assistance program. He has apologized to the police for his behavior, which included making violent threats and using racial slurs. Galchenyuk has reached out to the officers involved to express remorse and acknowledges the need for personal growth. The NHL Players' Association is considering filing a grievance regarding his contract termination. Galchenyuk's troubled year also included his fiancée being deported due to visa issues.
