The Arizona Coyotes have placed forward Adam Ruzicka on unconditional waivers following questionable social media posts.
The Associated Press reported on Friday that Ruzicka posted a video on her Instagram Story of herself before heading towards a credit card and a white powder believed to be cocaine. Although the post has been deleted, screen recording The video continues to circulate.
With Ruzicka under intense scrutiny, the Coyotes announced Friday that the 24-year-old was placed on waivers due to contract termination. The team declined further comment.
He is currently in the final season of a two-year contract worth a total of $1.525 million. He has only been in Arizona for about a month, arriving on Jan. 25 after being claimed off waivers by the Calgary Flames.
Ruzicka, a center from Slovakia, has not scored in his three games with the Coyotes. This comes after scoring nine points in 39 games with Calgary. He has appeared in 117 career games since making his league debut in 2021.
His contract could be terminated if he clears waivers, but the NHL Players Association could file a grievance on his behalf. The organization requires him to do so within 60 days.
That period can be extended, which is what happened with Corey Perry, whose contract with the Chicago Blackhawks was terminated this season. The veteran winger was charged with workplace misconduct stemming from a Nov. 21 incident during a road trip to Columbus. On February 2, he was given an extension to file a complaint against him.
Perry’s deadline extension came in response to “threats” to file a complaint, likely giving the NHLPA time to reach a settlement. It’s unclear whether Ruzicka will follow a similar path, but the fact that she recorded and posted footage of herself seemingly flaunting banned substances may complicate matters.
The move to fire Ruzicka comes after the Coyotes terminated the contract of forward Alex Galchenyuk, who was arrested on July 9 on charges of hit-and-run and disorderly conduct. Galchenyuk, currently playing in Russia, was released just 13 days into his contract. Coyote. He has since apologized to police and entered an NHL/NHLPA assistance program.