Arizona Coyotes player Adam Ruzicka surprised fans when he shared a video on his Instagram story, featuring him posing with a substance believed to be cocaine
The now-removed video depicted Ruzicka seemingly preparing to ingest a white powder, accompanied by a smiling pose for the camera.
Instagram story video of NHL player Adam Ruzicka of Arizona Coyotes with cocaine goes viral on Twitter/X
This video is from Adam Ruzicka's story on Instagram. He is a member of the Arizona Coyotes. But it might not be for a long time. Credit to: @kamil_schreiber. pic.twitter.com/oSICPSltwz
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) February 23, 2024
This contentious footage quickly circulated on social media X, eliciting strong reactions and discontent from hockey enthusiasts. One commentator expressed their sentiment, stating, “Much like the Yotes, he’s out.”
NHL Likely to Conduct Thorough Investigation
Ruzicka, acquired by the Arizona Coyotes on January 24 from the Calgary Flames via waivers, has participated in three games with the team, but has yet to contribute any points. This comes after he notched three goals and nine points in 39 games as a depth forward for Calgary.
The Arizona Coyotes have placed Adam Ruzicka on waivers for the purposes of contract termination after he posted this video to his Instagram
— Nasty Knuckles (@NastyKnuckles) February 23, 2024
The recent video incident could potentially create issues for Ruzicka within the organization that took a chance on him. The NHL, known for its strict stance against drug use, is likely to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
In reference to the league’s policy on cocaine, there is precedent with Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, who received a four-year IIHF ban after testing positive for cocaine during the 2019 World Championships.
Despite being filmed in a room with cocaine on a table, Kuznetsov denied using the drug, and the NHL accepted his explanation, choosing not to suspend him.
Arizona Coyotes Current Performance
The Arizona Coyotes currently find themselves in an 11-game losing streak, making this season tougher for fans than anticipated. Despite the expected challenges of a rebuilding season, the team’s poor performance puts additional pressure on both players and management.
Adam Ruzicka, drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2017, faces challenging inquiries and the possibility of being without a team. With 14 goals in 117 NHL games and a total of 40 points, Ruzicka’s future with the Coyotes is uncertain.
As the team navigates a challenging season, questions about discipline and culture within the organization will undoubtedly arise, and the handling of Ruzicka’s situation will be closely scrutinized.