Does the CBA address the use of performance-enhancing substances?
Yes. Per the agreement, every NHL player will be subject to up to two “no-notice” tests every year, with at least one such test to be conducted on a team-wide basis. Positive tests for performance-enhancing substances will result in a mandatory discipline as follows: For the first positive test, a 20-game suspension without pay and a mandatory referral to the league’s substance abuse/behavioral health program for evaluation, education and possible treatment. For the second positive test, a 60-game suspension without pay. For the third positive test, a minimum two-year suspension. This suspension will be considered “permanent,” although a player so suspended may apply for reinstatement after two years. A joint NHL/NHLPA Committee on performance-enhancing substances also will agree on a prohibited substances list. The list will include performance-enhancing substances on the list maintained by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for both in-competition and out-of-competition testing.
