Russian Hockey Federation wants Kuznetzov reinstated so he can play at 2022 Winter Olympics

The Russian Hockey Federation (FHR) wants Evgeny Kuznetsov to play for his home country at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, and has started the process of attempting to get his suspension by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) reduced.

Kuznetzov, of the Washington Capitals, was suspended from playing internationally for four years back in August of 2019. This happened after he tested positive for cocaine while attending the World Championships in Slovakia that same year. There was also a video that circulated on the internet that showed cocaine on a table in his hotel room at the tournament.

"The Russian Ice Hockey Federation hopes to be able to achieve a reduction in the period of suspension for Evgeny Kuznetsov in order to participate in the Olympic Games, which will be held in Beijing in 2022," said a representative of the FHR. "At the moment, work in this direction is underway."

Unless the suspension is reduced, Kuznetzov is not eligible to play internationally again until May 12, 2023. Kuznetzov was also suspended by the NHL after the positive test for cocaine, but the period was just three games.

Source: Sports-express.ru

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