
Seattle Kraken prospect and current Coachella Valley Firebirds forward David Goyette has been suspended 20 games for violating the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substance Program.
Kraken GM Jason Boterill acknowledged the suspension in a statement on X.
“Earlier today we were informed that David Goyette tested positive for a performance enhancing substance under the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substance Program,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said. “We fully support the Performance Enhancing Substance Program and hope this was a learning experience for David.”
The 21-year-old is playing in his second AHL season, notching three goals and 10 points in 47 games. His rookie season featured plenty of challenges, and his sophomore season has been even more challenging.
Goyette’s pace prior to the suspension was five goals and 16 points in 72 games, which would have seen him score one fewer goal and two fewer points despite playing 18 more games.
The Kraken had high hopes for Goyette when they drafted him in the second round (61st overall) in the 2022 NHL draft. Goyette was a highly skilled offensive player during his time in the OHL with Sudbury Wolves, leading the OHL in points during his final junior season in 2023-24.
It hasn’t translated to the AHL yet, but there is still hope within the Kraken organization.
Goyette was one of two players to violate the AHL/PHPA Performance-Enhancing Substance Program; Chicago Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs goaltender Stanislav Berezhnoy was also banned for 20 games.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.