Evgeny Kuznetsov claims the Washington Capitals didn't believe his health issue

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Josh Tupper
August 3, 2024 (9:09 PM)

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Evgeny Kuznetsov Opens Up About Leaving the NHL and Health Struggles

Evgeny Kuznetsov's recent departure from the NHL to play overseas has stirred significant attention, particularly as he begins to speak candidly about his experiences with the Washington Capitals and the challenges that influenced his decision to leave the league. In a series of interviews, Kuznetsov has revealed personal health struggles and his reasons for entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

In interviews with **Russian Machine Never Breaks** and **Sport-Express**, Kuznetsov detailed the serious medical condition he faced during his final season in the NHL. His revelations provide a new perspective on the difficulties he endured while playing for the Capitals and why he ultimately decided to seek help.

Kuznetsov most recently shared some time with reporter Alexey Shevchenko from Sport-Express and revealed that he was going through serious health issues during his last year in the NHL that eventually led to him entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

�I had rheumatoid arthritis, I took pills and injections all year,' Kuznetsov said per a translation from Google Translate. �Then I stopped taking them, it felt good, nothing hurt. I haven't taken anything for three months and I feel great, I run, I work out in the gym.'

Kuznetsov's struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints, was a significant challenge during his final season with the Capitals. His condition required constant management with medication, which took a toll on his performance and well-being. Despite these difficulties, it appears that the extent of Kuznetsov's health issues was not fully recognized or adequately addressed by the Washington Capitals' management.

The lack of awareness or concern from the Capitals' organization, including former general manager Brian MacLellan, may have contributed to Kuznetsov's frustrations and decision to part ways with the NHL. The stress of managing a serious medical condition without adequate support can be overwhelming for any athlete, and Kuznetsov's comments suggest that he felt isolated in his battle with rheumatoid arthritis.

The move to the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program was a crucial step for Kuznetsov, providing him with the support he needed to address his health issues. Now, free from the pressures of the NHL, he reports feeling healthier and more capable than he has in years.

Kuznetsov's candid disclosures highlight the importance of player health and support systems within professional sports. His story is a reminder of the pressures athletes face and the need for organizations to prioritize the well-being of their players. It also underscores the value of programs like the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which offer essential support to players dealing with personal and health challenges.

As Kuznetsov embarks on his new journey overseas, his experiences serve as a lesson for the NHL and its teams about the critical need for comprehensive care and understanding of players' health concerns. The league's handling of such situations could impact player retention and overall team morale, emphasizing the need for empathy and proactive support in professional sports.

Source - Russian Machine Never Breaks
Evgeny Kuznetsov explains how an autoimmune disease led to him entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program