Capitals' Kuznetsov Enters NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, Out Indefinitely

The Capitals center will be away from the team as he receives care

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov has officially entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, the league and NHL Players Association announced on Monday.

Kuznetsov will be away from the team indefinitely as he receives care from the program. Under the terms of the program, he will return when program administrators clear him for on-ice competition.

The news comes after Kuznetsov missed the Capitals' first practice back from break on Monday due to what the team was calling "personal reasons."

The NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program was created to assist players and their families in dealing with mental health, substance abuse and other issues. Privacy is a key part of the program, so the reason Kuznetsov entered the program is not known.

Kuznetsov has struggled to find consistency over the last couple of seasons in D.C. and has just six goals and 11 assists through 43 games this season. He had three points in his last three games before the break.

With Kuznetsov out, Washington has recalled Michael Sgarbossa from the AHL's Hershey Bears to take his place. Sgarbossa leads Hershey in assists (36) and points (43) this season. At practice, he slotted into Kuznetsov's spot on he third line and skated between Anthony Mantha and Aliaksei Protas on the third line.

Here were the lines at practice without Kuznetsov in the mix:

Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Tom Wilson

Max Pacioretty-Connor McMichael-T.J. Oshie

Anthony Mantha-Michael Sgarbossa-Aliaksei Protas

Beck Malenstyn-Nic Dowd-Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Matthew Phillips-Sonny Milano

Martin Fehervary-John Carlson

Rasmus Sandin-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Joel Edmundson-Nick Jensen

Alex Alexeyev-Ethan Bear