IIHF and NHL are far from each other in their respective assessments. From the IIHF they are very hard on the shutdown and the NHL chooses to focus on Kuznetsov going through a rehabilitation program against his abuse.
- They have always had different agendas and I think it is difficult to change that and in some ways the NHL reason more wisely. I'm pretty sure he didn't take cocaine to get better at hockey. That's why I think four years is wrong, Renberg says, and continues:
- I think it's right for him to be suspended but then you can discuss how many years it should be. I think it should make a difference if you take this drug. Those who take pure steroids, what will they get, eight years?
Never saw people take cocaine
27-year-old Kuznetsov is undergoing rehabilitation and has agreed to be tested on a regular basis. As the situation is now, he will not be suspended from games in the NHL.
- I don't think he should play hockey right now, but he should be rehabilitated. I know that the NHL is good at helping and has good programs for abuse and has good follow-up afterwards. They spend a lot of money on taking care of their players.
Renberg believes that drugs have flourished around the league for many years but never saw any of it himself during his ten seasons in the NHL.
- I never saw anyone take cocaine, however, it is incredibly common for people to smoke marijuana, it is very common over there. They are very popular and I think the temptations are huge and some may not be able to resist simply.