⏮️ Kuznetzov cleared to return

In today’s edition:

• ⏮️ Kuznetzov cleared to return

• 💵 Coaches fined $25k

Kuznetzov cleared to return, placed on waivers

Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetzov was cleared to return to play by the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The player assistance program is a joint program between the league and players’ organization to support players dealing with mental health, substance abuse, and other issues.

Kuznetzov was later placed on waivers and the Capitals plan to send him down to their minor league AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Throughout the 43 games he has played this season he scored 6 goals, 11 assists, totaling 17 points.

Coaches fined $25k

Maple Leaf head coach Sheldon Keefe and Sabre’s head coach Don Granato were both find $25,000 Thusday for their unprofessional conduct. Sheldon Keefe was disppointed at both the calls and lack of calls at Tuesday nights game against Toronto. Don Granato was yelling at referrees T.J. Luxmore and Michael Markovic, getting his team a bench minor penalty. While he wasn’t ejected, he put his team down two men.

In other news…

• Kyle Connor [Jets] recorded his seventh straight season with at least 25 goals. The only other player in Jets/Thrashers history with a run of that length is Ilya Kovalchuk (8 from 2001-02–2009-10).

• The Predators look to extend their winning streak to eight games and tie the second longest run in franchise history (8 GP in 2005-06); the franchise record is 10 games in 2017-18. 

• Joel Eriksson Ek [Wild] (28-26—54 in 60 GP) needs two goals for his first career 30-goal season and can become the first Minnesota player to reach the mark in 2023-24. Eriksson Ek can become the 11th different Wild player to tally 30 goals in a season. 

• David Pastrnak [Bruins] (38-49—87) is three back of recording consecutive 90-point seasons, a feat achieved by two others Bruins players over the last 40 years – Adam Oates (2; 1992-93 to 1993-94) and Cam Neely (2; 1989-90 to 1990-91).