Valeri Nichushkin ban draws blunt take from Avalanche teammate

Andrew Cogliano continued with his reaction on Monday night. He called the NHL a “tough” business and that his team is doing what they can to succeed. Ultimately, all they can focus on is what is in front of them and those who lace up their skates every night.

“We’re giving it all we’ve got. I think we focus on the guys in the room. We have a lot of good people here that are trying to make a difference,” the Avalanche forward said, via Fredrickson.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar also spoke about this on Monday night. He told reporters that he learned of the news following the team’s morning skate. “Obviously, not happy about it,” the Avalanche bench boss said. He went on to stress that Nicushkin’s absence was not being used as an excuse for the team’s loss to the Stars in Game 5.

“Val, obviously, is struggling with something. I have two thoughts. It sucks for our team. … I’ve gotten to know Val as a person … and I want what’s best for him,” Bednar continued on Monday night, via Fredrickson.

Denver Post reporter Corey Masisak noted that Colorado has already taken Nichushkin’s nameplate out of the locker room. And he shared a comment from veteran defenseman Jack Johnson, who echoed Bednar’s unhappiness on Monday night. “He made his decisions. That’s all I’m going to say on that. He made his decisions,” the Avalanche rearguard said.

Valeri Nichushkin before the suspension

The unhappiness certainly may be a bit understandable from Andrew Cogliano and the Avalanche’s point of view. This is not the first time Nichushkin has dealt with off-ice issues during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He was forced to leave their first-round series against the Seattle Kraken last season, as well.

Last year, a 911 call was placed after an intoxicated woman was found in Nichushkin’s Seattle hotel room. According to a team physician, multiple Avalanche employees went to the room and found the woman. Team security reportedly escorted Nichushkin out of the hotel that same day, and he promptly left the city, according to The Seattle Times.

This season, Nichushkin spent time in the player assistance program. He entered the program in January and was away from his team for about two months. He returned in early March, right before the Stanley Cup Playoffs began in late April.

Valeri Nichushkin was placed in Stage 3 of the player assistance program on Monday. There are four stages of the program, as shared by NHL reporter John Shannon. Should a player be placed in Stage 4, they receive at least a one-year suspension from the league. At this state, reinstatement to the league is not assured to the player.