Schmidt, Golden Knights strongly disagree with PED suspension

Nate Schmidt and those close to him vehemently disagree with his suspension for violation of the NHL/NHLPA Performance-Enhancing Substances Program, which resulted in a 20-game ban Sunday afternoon.

Schmidt, the Vegas Golden Knights, and his agent each issued strongly worded statements on the matter shortly after news of the ban broke.

From the Golden Knights:

While we respect the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program and are committed to its success, we strongly disagree with the suspension. We firmly believe that the presence of a trace of the banned substance was accidental and unintentional. Based on our conversations with Nate, analysis from independent medical experts and sworn testimony from the parties involved, we believe it is clear Nate was not able to reasonably ascertain how the substance entered his body.

Nate is an honest person with high moral character and great integrity. We will stand by him and support him during this time.

Lastly, Schmidt's agent Matt Keator:

Schmidt is eligible to participate in training camp, but can't suit up in any preseason games. The 27-year-old will also forfeit nearly $500,000 in salary, per TSN's Frank Seravalli, and can return Nov. 18 versus the Edmonton Oilers.