Early Thursday morning, the Golden Knights announced that forward Valentin Zykov has been suspended 20 games for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPS Performance Enhancing Substance Program. The full statement can be read here: https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/golden-knights-issue-statement-regarding-suspension-of-valentin-zykov/c-310198518
Zykov will be suspended 20 games , without pay, and will be eligible to return to play November 29th against the Coyotes. Although the way the Golden Knights are making their statements, Zykov may have played his last game in a VGK jersey.
Zykov original statement said he was “unaware” of how he tested positive for a banned substance. However, George McPhee stated in a press conference Thursday morning, “He (Zykov) he was taking the supplements for four years. He took the supplements and they did not come from us.” The Knights are in full agreement with the NHL to suspend Zykov, a tune they were not singing when Nate Schmidt was suspended last year for a banned substance. George McPhee even acknowledged these were “completely different circumstances.” When Schmidt was suspended, everyone, including Nate, was shocked and disagreed with the decision. Schmidt did not knowingly take any drugs, where it appears Zykov has been taking these drugs or supplements for the last four years. This includes Zykov’s time with the Hurricanes and Oilers organizations.
Disagree or agree with the decision all you want, but Zykov knowingly taking a banned substance for four years, he is lucky he is only banned 20 games. Let’s not forget of course that you can do cocaine next to the Stanley Cup, lie about it, and only get a 3 game suspension. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/09/14/capitals-evgeny-kuznetsov-be-suspended-three-games-by-nhl-positive-cocaine-test/
The Golden Knights players had to answer some tough questions Thursday morning, but Jonathan Marchessault and Max Pacioretty showed why they are leaders on this team with their responses to Zykov’s suspension.
“I’m proud to be a Golden Knight. Everyone in our locker room is too. We are so much more than just one player that makes a bad decision.” - Marchessault.
“This doesn’t make anybody look good. Both for Z and the team. Without knowing the details it’s hard to comment much further than that but we’ve always had the next man up mentality whether it’s injuries or any other adversity we face and this is no different.” - Pacioretty.
The Golden Knights are set to square off against the Ottawa Senators tonight (7:00pm PCT) and will have to do so without Zykov in the lineup.
