That stinks. First and foremost I hope everyone is okay, and that the story is not true, and it is truly a "hit piece". After that, from a hockey POV that is a crusher for us. Who knows when he'll be back, if at all this season. Once again, it just feels like this season was destined to be a rough one. Take the top 7 or 8 pick and move forward.
Strange that the allegations are coming from his former coach who is also a Putin supporter and not from the alleged victim. And by strange I mean, typical of Russian propaganda.
I think he'll be back in a few weeks but yeah, this season is essentially a throwaway. Good experience for the young guys and hopefully a high draft pick.
Just need CK and Mika to pick it up and gives youth more time on the ice. The flip side of season over is they can use this as a rallying cry - Philly, Buff, 2 with Bos, NJ and Pitt next 8 games. Going to be interesting with all the back to backs. Sucks for Artemi because he still has family there.