Kuznetsov Enters Player Assistance Program

Photo Credit: Danny Wild/USA TODAY Sports

The National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) announced on Monday that Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov will be unavailable to his team for an unknown period of time while receiving care from the Player Assistance Program.

Created back in 1996, the Player Assistance Program is meant to help players and their family members struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and other issues.

A good alternative for players going through stuff that has been frowned upon talking about in the open years ago, the Player Assistance Program has gotten more use in recent seasons.

Kuznetsov becomes the fourth player to enter the program during the 2023-24 season, following Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine, and Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin.

Of the four, only Girard has been returned to his team.

Under the terms of the program, Kuznetsov can return to the Capitals once he is cleared by program administrators.

Hopefully Kuznetsov gets the help he needs and can return to the ice in Washington, D.C. as soon as possible.


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Lauren Burg

Lauren Burg is a Tampa Bay Lightning writer for “Inside the Rink.” A lifelong Tampa Bay Area resident, she graduated from the University of South Florida’s world-renowned journalism program in December 2009. While in college, she discovered hockey and the Tampa Bay Lightning. She quickly became a passionate fan, attending many games over the years. She also experienced an All-Star game in 2018, numerous road games, and, most recently, the Bolts back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. Since graduating college, she’s been working hard to combine her two loves, writing and hockey, hoping to one day make that her full-time career. In her free time, she enjoys attending sporting events (both home & road when possible), taking photos, and traveling.

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