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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