LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Vegas Golden Knights player Valentin Zykov has been suspended.
Zykov has been suspended for 20 games without pay.
The team sent the following statement on Thursday morning:
“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.”
Zykov sent the following statement:
“I’ve been informed that I am being suspended for 20 games under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. 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.”
Zykov, who is originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings and played his first NHL game and recorded his first NHL goal on March 9, 2017, in a game against the New York Rangers.
He was selected for the 2018 AHL All-Star Game after leading the league in goals scored.
He played for the Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers before he was claimed by the Vegas Golden Knights on Dec. 29, 2018.
