Kuznetsov Officially Eligible To Return To International Competition As 4-Year Ban For Cocaine Use Ends

The Capitals center is now eligible to return to international play.

Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov is officially allowed to return to international competition following a four-year ban for cocaine use, the World Anti-Doping Agency officially reported on Saturday.

The ban, which began under provisionary circumstances on June 13, 2019, officially ended on June 12.

Kuznetsov's ban from the IIHF came after he tested positive for cocaine during a doping control test at the IIHF World Championships in late May 2019. Around the same time, a video on social media showed Kuznetsov sitting in a hotel room next to two lines of white powder, though he denied drug use.

At the NHL level, the Capitals organization expressed its disappointment with Kuznetsov, while the league suspended him for three games to open the 2019-20 season. There was no further disciplinary action or required programs for No. 92, though it did appear to add to ongoing tensions building between him and Washington.

Kuznetsov has not played in international games for his country since then, and Russia is currently not allowed to participate in international play at this time due to the ongoing war with Ukraine.

When it comes to playing with other international leagues like the KHL, Kuznetsov will have to contact those leagues directly to see if he qualifies.

Right now, the 31-year-old has been in the midst of ongoing trade talks as the Capitals ponder what's next for both sides while looking to revamp the top-6. Kuznetsov is coming off of one of his worst seasons in years, as he recorded his lowest scoring rate in nearly a decade with 55 points in 81 games this past year.