Evgeny Kuznetsov opens up about rheumatoid arthritis and NHL departure
In a candid revelation that has stirred the NHL community, former Washington Capitals star Evgeny Kuznetsov disclosed his battle with rheumatoid arthritis as the primary reason for his recent stint in the NHL player assistance program.
Kuznetsov's condition, an autoimmune disease that severely affects joints causing pain, swelling, and loss of function, had been a hidden struggle throughout what turned out to be his final year with the league.
In an interview with SportsExpress, Kuznetsov shared his hardships, highlighting the intense physical and mental toll the disease took on him.
This isn't Kuznetsov's first tumultuous period; back in 2019, he tested positive for cocaine use, leading to a waiver by the Capitals before his trade to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Following his exit from the player assistance program, Kuznetsov made a significant career decision to leave the NHL and return to Russia. He signed a four-year contract with KHL's SKA Saint Petersburg, stepping away from a substantial $6 million he was due in his final year of a $64.2 million contract with the NHL.
Details regarding his salary with SKA Saint Petersburg remain undisclosed, but Kuznetsov's move marks a pivotal shift in his career, driven by health challenges and a new chapter in his professional life. His story sheds light on the often unseen struggles professional athletes endure and the tough decisions they face in balancing health with their careers.
This episode in Kuznetsov's life not only underscores the personal battles behind professional sports but also highlights the critical support systems like the NHL player assistance program, designed to help players navigate such crises.
Source: The Hockey News
Kuznetsov Opens Up About Health Problems With Capitals & Why He Entered Player Assistance Program: 'I'd Been Suffering All Year'
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