WASHINGTON (AP) Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended without pay for three regular-season games by the NHL for "inappropriate conduct," less than a month after he was banned from playing for Russia for four years because of a positive test for cocaine.

The NHL announced its punishment Saturday, saying it followed a meeting in New York on Monday with Commissioner Gary Bettman, Kuznetsov and union representatives. The league did not elaborate on its decision. Kuznetsov will not appeal.

"I have decided to accept the NHL's suspension today. I am once again sorry that I have disappointed my family, my teammates, and the Capitals organization and fans," he said in a statement issued by the Capitals.