Capitals' Kuznetsov enters player assistance program

Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov will be out indefinitely while he receives care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, the league and the union jointly announced Monday.

Kuznetsov will be eligible to return to the team once the program's administrators clear him for on-ice competition.

The 31-year-old missed practice Monday for personal reasons. Washington recalled forward Michael Sgarbossa to fill Kuznetsov's roster spot.

Kuznetsov has six goals and 11 assists in 43 games this season. The Russian is in his 11th campaign with the Capitals, who drafted him 26th overall in 2010.

He's the third player to enter the program in the last three weeks. Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets did so on Jan. 28 after Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche entered 13 days before that.

Alex Galchenyuk joined the program last July after he was arrested on several charges. The Arizona Coyotes ultimately terminated his contract, and he's now playing with SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL.