http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/r...doping-appeal/
Quote:
In July, 36-year-old Russian forward Danis Zaripov was suspended two years by the International Ice Hockey Federation. According to a KHL media release, Zaripov’s samples “contained banned stimulants plus substances prohibited as diuretics and masking agents.”
At the time, Zaripov swore to appeal. “I’m shocked,” he told Reuters news agency. “There’s nothing else to say.”
Since then, he’s begun the process. Part of that is an attempt to become eligible to play in the NHL, and, according to a couple of sources, clarity is expected early next week. A couple teams indicated they expect he will be available.
There are still questions regarding the winger’s plans for the upcoming season. His agent, Dan Milstein, declined to comment until after any official announcement.
The KHL club Ak Bars Kazan voided Zaripov’s deal, which means he has no contractual commitments. There will be some NHL interest, with the Vegas Golden Knights and New York Rangers among those expected to pursue.
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Interesting that it sounds like the NHL is considering allowing him to play. I believe a reason it is being looked at is that the masking agent he got banned for is not illegal by the NHL/NHLPA banned list but it is on WADA list.
IIRC the masking agent he got caught for was also the same one that got Backstrom banned from the 2014 Olympic gold medal game. However Backstrom didn't have all the diuretics in his system.