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Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt has been suspended for 20 games for violating the NHL’s performance-enhancing substances program, the league announced Sunday.
As part of his punishment, Schmidt won’t be allowed to suit up for preseason as well and his first eligible game will be Nov. 18 against Edmonton. He will also forfeit $482,258 in pay during his 20-game suspension, according to Frank Seravalli of TSN Sports.
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Schmidt started his NHL career with the Washington Capitals, playing four seasons here. His maturation was ever evident in 2016-17 season when he posted a plus-22 rating. That season he added three goals and 14 assists in 60 games. He was well on his way to becoming a top defender for the Capitals, however, he was selected by the Golden Knights in the Expansion Draft despite the Capitals frantically trying to work a deal to retain his services.
In his first season with the Knights, Schmidt posted career-highs of 76 games, five goals and 31 assists in 22:14 average time on ice as a top defender. Vegas’ magical season ended in a Stanley Cup loss to the Capitals.
