Vegas Golden Knights forward Valentin Zykov has been suspended for 20 games for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
The NHL announced the news on Thursday and it was also confirmed that the Vegas Golden Knights player will not receive pay during this time.
It is the second year in a row that Vegas have had a player suspended for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program after Nate Schmidt was also banned for 20 games last year.
However, unlike with the Schmidt suspension where the Golden Knights were in full support of the player, the franchise have taken a very different approach this time around and they released a statement making it crystal clear that they support the league’s stance.
"“We were notified by the NHL and NHLPA that Valentin has violated the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. We monitor the nutrition, supplement intake, and overall diet of our athletes on a continual basis throughout our entire season. Valentin knowingly used a banned substance without the consent, recommendation or knowledge of our team. We support the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program and respect the decision here.”"
It is a damning statement when you read between the lines and there are reports out there from Jesse Granger of The Athletic that suggest Zykov has been knowingly using the substance that led to his suspension for the last four years.
Before we delve in further, here was Zykov’s statement through the NHL Players Association:
"“While I haven’t been able to discover how I tested positive, I understand that I am responsible for what is in my body and will accept this penalty. I want to apologize to my family, my teammates, and the Golden Knights organization and fans. I will work hard during my suspension to ensure that I put myself in the best possible position to contribute to my team when my suspension is over.”"
It is clear from reading between the lines that this is on Zykov’s shoulders and the Vegas Golden Knights are standing firmly behind the NHL on this decision.
Zykov and Schmidt are the only two players in the NHL to test positive for banned substances in the last three years, but the two cases are on the opposite ends of the spectrum.
While Schmidt was defended by the franchise with his case thought to be incidental, it is clear that they aren’t at all impressed with Zykov’s conduct.
So, what does this mean for the Vegas Golden Knights and Valentin Zykov going forward?
Well, for starters, Zykov will not be able to return until November 29 against the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena.
However, given the tone of the Golden Knights since this news broke, there is no guarantees that Zykov will be welcomed back with open arms.
After all, he has had failed stints with the Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL, and he only made the Golden Knights roster this year after impressing throughout the preseason.
However, apart from the odd flash of quality, Zykov has largely disappointed with just two assists for two points in seven games in 2019-20.
And, there is an added caveat at play here; Alex Tuch is due off the LTIR within the next week or so and, when he is, he will slot in on the right wing of the third line.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Rookie phenom Cody Glass has been bumped down to the third line following Cody Eakin‘s return to health and he has been lights out in his first seven games in the NHL, tallying five points (two goals, three assists), while playing the last handful of games on the right wing in Tuch’s spot.
So, it is fair to assume that Glass will be switched over to the left wing, a role he played during the preseason, with Eakin centering that third line and Tuch on the right wing.
And, with Brandon Pirri on the fringes, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Zykov is either traded or sent down to the AHL with the Chicago Wolves once his suspension is complete.
It is an interesting story that could have further developments and we will wait to see what happens with things having the potential to change due to injuries or trades.