Nichushkin Back In Player Assistance Program, Suspended Six Months

The Colorado Avalanche will get a key piece back in the lineup for Game Four, but will lose an even bigger one in Valeri Nichushkin.

Nichushkin, who leads the Avalanche and is tied for the NHL lead in goals scored during the playoffs with nine, will miss Game Four and beyond. I received word earlier today this might be a possibility, but it’s even bigger than what I had heard.

Here is the release from the NHL…

“The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association announced today that forward Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche has been placed in Stage 3 of the Player Assistance Program of the NHLPA and NHL.

Under the terms of the joint program, Nichushkin will be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months and then will be eligible to apply for reinstatement.”

Yes, you read that right. Six months. This is a very big deal. Not only does this impact the current series, but it has massive implications heading into next year. A six month suspension puts him out until November, and you have to imagine the Avalanche may explore other options.

The 29 year old winger missed time earlier this season as he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Of course, everyone remembers why he missed time in the postseason last year, and his absence was a big reason why the Avalanche couldn’t get past the Seattle Kraken.

This news comes just hours before Colorado plays a crucial Game Four against the Dallas Stars. We’ll have more time to discuss this and will update everyone soon if more information is made available, but for now, the Avalanche are going to have to rally without one of their top players. I hope that Val can get the help that he needs moving forward.