The Colorado Avalanche have issued an official statement regarding Valeri Nichushkin’s status with the Player Assistance Program following his suspension in May.
During the second round of the 2024 NHL playoffs, the Avalanche had to compete without their top performer, Valeri Nichushkin. He had been playing some of the best hockey of his career, scoring 10 points in eight games, including nine goals—a nearly superhuman performance. However, the NHL soon discovered something was amiss.
During an intermission, Nichushkin failed a drug test and entered the third phase of the Player Assistance Program. He was suspended for six months in May, making him eligible to return in November.
While the Avalanche previously confirmed that Nichushkin would remain with the team, they did not provide updates on his punishment or roster status—until now. The team announced on their official X account that Nichushkin has arrived in Denver and is expected to begin training on his own soon, although he cannot practice with the team yet
UPDATE: Kaapo Kahkonen has arrived in Denver and will practice with the team today.
Valeri Nichushkin has also arrived in Denver and will begin to workout and skate on his own. He remains in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 19, 2024
Nichushkin is undeniably a talented hockey player, but before he can rejoin his teammates on the ice, he needs to address the issue of abandoning them during the playoffs. The Avalanche worked hard but struggled to keep up against the Dallas Stars without him and were eliminated shortly after his suspension.
His return should go smoothly, especially since Artturi Lehkonen, Jonathan Drouin, and Gabriel Landeskog are currently on the injury list. The team needs Nichushkin now more than ever, especially after losing their first four games of the season. Although they managed to win last night thanks to an incredible goal from Nathan MacKinnon, Nichushkin is expected to provide valuable support to the top six, which is crucial for Colorado’s push toward the Stanley Cup.
Teammates, coaches, and fans are hopeful that Nichushkin will return and make a significant contribution to the Avs’ success, as the outcome of their season depends on it.
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