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The NHL has announced that Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has been played in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
As a result, Nichushkin has been suspended without pay for a minimum of six months. After that, he will be eligible to apply for reinstatement back into the league. The news takes Nichushkin out for the remainder of the 2023-24 NHL playoff season.
According to Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli, sources say that Nichushkin recently failed a drug test.
#Avs forward Val Nichushkin has been suspended without pay for a minimum 6 months for violating terms of #NHL/#NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 14, 2024
Sources say Nichushkin recently failed a drug test. He missed playoff games last year after a 911 call in Seattle in which an… pic.twitter.com/clav00e5Dv
Last year, Nichushkin missed part of Colorado’s playoff run after a 911 call was made in Seattle after an intoxicated woman was found in his hotel room.
Nichushkin has nine goals and 10 points in 10 playoff games for the Avalanche this year. The Avs are set to play the Dallas Stars at 9:30 PM ET on Monday, entering Game 4 trailing 1-2.
Nichushkin was placed in the player assistance program back in January, missing 21 games before returning in March. He finished the regular season with 28 goals and 53 points in 54 games, marking one of the best seasons of his career.
The 6-foot-4 winger was part of Colorado’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022.
The Chelyabinsk, Russia, native is in the second season of an eight-year deal worth $6.125 million per season. Drafted 10th overall in 2013, Nichushkin started off slow, spending parts of three years with Dallas before spending two years in the KHL.
Nichskin had no goals and 10 assists in 57 games in his NHL return the following year before signing in Colorado in 2019. That’s where things started to look up for the big forward, with Nichushkin registering 25 goals and 52 points in 2021-22. He has 26 points in his last 30 playoff games with the Avs over the past three years.
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Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
Top Islanders Star Tells Asst. GM, 'You Better Not Trade Me'
The New York Islanders are entering a new era under a revamped front office, and signs point to a potential retool—or even a rebuild. The most telling move came at the NHL Draft in June, when the team traded star defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for two first-round picks. It’s a rare move in today’s NHL to deal your top blueliner, and it raised eyebrows across the league. Analysts and fans have wondered if more moves are coming. Since there are several teams looking for quality assets at a reasonable salary cap, it’s a logical question. Is Bo Horvat A Potential Trade Candidate? During an appearance on the Cam and Strick Podcast, newly appointed assistant to the general manager Matt Martin—an Islanders fan favorite and longtime forward—revealed a humorous but telling moment from inside the locker room. Martin, now working closely with the Isles’ new GM, said that Bo Horvat texted him immediately after the front office changes were announced. “You better not trade me,” Horvat reportedly wrote. The comments from Martin suggest that Horvat has no desire to leave the team, even if the Islanders aren’t set to be competitive this coming season. If the team is dumping some of their best talents, he does not want to be among those the organization chooses to sell. Horvat likely didn’t have to worry. He has a full no-trade clause as part of his contract, and even if management were open to asking him to waive it, he could have blocked any deal. It sounds like that would be his intention, so he was getting ahead of things by making sure they knew not to even ask.
Minnesota Vikings Jeff Okudah Turning Heads At Training Camp
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to re-establish their defensive identity in 2025, and one of the surprises of training camp so far has been Jeff Okudah. Once labeled by some as a draft bust, Okudah is making waves under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. His performance, work ethic, and the strides he’s made in adapting to the Vikings’ system are quickly altering perceptions of both his potential and his fit in Minnesota. But Okudah’s story stretches far beyond just this training camp. His NFL career has been one of highs and lows, a testament to both his resilience and ambition. With Flores’ mentorship and a clear path to playing time, Okudah might finally be in the right place to thrive. A Challenging NFL Journey Jeff Okudah entered the NFL with monumental expectations. Selected third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Ohio State standout was viewed as a generational defensive back prospect. His college resume was nothing short of outstanding. At Ohio State, Okudah was a lockdown corner who excelled in press coverage, finished his junior season with three interceptions, and earned unanimous All-American honors. Experts heralded his technique, physicality, and ability to close on the football as elite traits that would translate seamlessly to the professional level. However, like many rookies burdened with high draft expectations, Okudah didn’t get off to the start he dreamed of. His rookie season was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, and Detroit’s overall defensive struggles compounded his growing pains. Things hit a low point during his second season in 2021 when he tore his Achilles just one game into the year. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, raising serious doubts about his durability and ability to regain his form. Even upon returning to the field in 2022, Okudah showed flashes but struggled to secure a consistent role. With the Lions moving in a different direction, Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Atlanta offered him stability and opportunities to play, but his performances didn’t fully live up to his potential, and he became a free agent after the 2024 season rather than earning a long-term extension. Now with the Minnesota Vikings, Okudah is under scrutiny once again. However, this time, there are signs that he may finally break through. Making Waves at Vikings Training Camp One week into the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp, Jeff Okudah has been a standout. Despite initial reservations about his role, Okudah has been running with the first team at nickel cornerback. For a defensive unit that prioritized upgrades in other areas this offseason, Okudah’s emergence has provided an unexpected boost in the secondary. Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has already praised Okudah’s effort and attention to detail. “He’s been diligent on the field, off the field, in the training room, and in the weight room. He’s always looking to do extra film work,” Flores shared in a recent press conference. One hallmark of Flores’ defense is its reliance on intelligent, adaptable players who can read offenses quickly—and Okudah seems to be rising to the challenge. Flores also made it clear that Okudah’s work ethic and athletic ability are giving him an edge. “He’s getting more comfortable within the defense and has shown up positively in every way,” Flores added. For a player whose confidence was undoubtedly tested in previous seasons, this kind of recognition is both meaningful and motivating. What Okudah Brings to the Vikings’ Defense Okudah’s skill set is what originally made him such a highly valued draft pick. At 6’1” and 205 pounds, he has the size to challenge receivers physically at the line of scrimmage, as well as the speed to keep up in coverage downfield. These traits align well with Flores’ aggressive defensive philosophy, which often calls for corners to play in high-pressure scenarios. Playing in the nickel role can feel limiting to some defensive backs, but it requires discipline and versatility—two strengths Okudah is quickly proving he possesses. Nickel corners must be capable of switching onto slot receivers, dropping back into zone coverage, or even stepping up to help in run defense. It’s no easy job, but Okudah’s adaptability is allowing him to make steady progress. The Vikings are banking on Flores’ knack for turning overlooked talents into key contributors, and Okudah could be the next beneficiary. His ability to stay locked in during practice, both physically and mentally, is earning him trust within the organization. Why This Training Camp Feels Different for Okudah What sets this training camp apart from previous ones in Detroit or Atlanta is the environment. Under Flores, Okudah appears to be part of a system that prioritizes tailored assignments and coaching. The Minnesota Vikings’ staff isn’t asking him to be a savior; they’re asking him to play to his strengths. For a player trying to overcome doubts, this structured approach could be crucial. Additionally, Okudah’s own evolution as a professional is evident. The 24-year-old has dealt with more than his fair share of adversity and seems determined to erase any stigma attached to his draft pedigree. Watching him after practice, continuing reps or working on footwork solo, is a small glimpse into the kind of focus he’s bringing to this opportunity. What His Success Could Mean for the Vikings If Jeff Okudah continues to impress and locks himself into a starting role, the Vikings’ secondary might become more formidable than expected. With veteran safety Harrison Smith anchoring the defense and cornerbacks like Byron Murphy Jr. already contributing, Okudah’s emergence as a dependable nickel corner could provide the versatility needed to counter dynamic passing offenses. It’s also worth noting how Okudah’s trajectory could shape Brian Flores’ reputation. Known for squeezing maximum production out of his players, Flores has a chance to add another reclamation project to his résumé if Okudah lives up to his potential. Final Thoughts Jeff Okudah’s NFL story so far has been anything but linear, but he’s proving at the Minnesota Vikings training camp that the narrative is far from over. Under Brian Flores’ direction, Okudah seems to have found a system and coaching staff capable of helping him tap into his first-round potential. His development could be pivotal not only for the Vikings’ immediate defensive goals but also for reshaping how people view Okudah as a player. It’s still early in camp, and there’s a long season ahead. But for the first time in a long while, it feels like Jeff Okudah is writing a new chapter—one filled with promise, growth, and maybe even the redemption he’s been working toward since 2020.
Yankees’ planned fire sale after Aaron Judge injury epitomizes roster weakness
Would the New York Yankees still be a heavyweight contender without Aaron Judge? Most fans would doubt it. What comes as a shock is that Yankees general manager, Brian Cashman, appears to agree. According to MLB insider Andy Martino of SNY, Cashman had explored the option of selling ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline (6 p.m. EST) if Judge’s flexor strain had turned out to be something worse. Martino wrote this: “[On Saturday], we relayed that the Yankees were floating some of their free-agent-to-be relievers in preliminary trade talks. We have since learned through league sources that last week the Yanks brought up Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt in talks with at least one other club.” It would be strange to see a team with a record well above .500 shop core hitters at the deadline. Both Bellinger and Goldschmidt — hitting .281/.333/.507 with 19 home runs and .283/.341/.419 with eight home runs respectively entering Tuesday — have been valuable producers for the Yankees this year. Goldschmidt signed a one-year deal with the Bronx Bombers over the offseason while Bellinger was acquired via trade with the Cubs. He is signed through 2026 but has a player option at the end of the year. Either player would bring a nice haul back to the Yankees. Of course, the reigning AL MVP’s injury doesn’t seem to be a season-altering, ‘abandon ship’ type of event. Optimistically, Judge should be back soon. But this does serve to illustrate how the team’s success is dependent on one player. Beyond Judge, the Yankees’ batting order doesn’t feature a star-caliber player, or at least a player the lineup can be built around. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, New York lacks enough solid hitters to be considered a worthy contender without Judge. The Yankees’ three bottom-of-the-order hitters — Austin Wells (.214), Anthony Volpe (.213) and newest acquisition Ryan McMahon (.223) — all own batting averages below .230 entering Tuesday. And this doesn’t include J.C. Escarra (.205), Oswald Peraza (.152) or even Ben Rice (.229). If Judge was lost for the season, selling wouldn’t have been a bad idea. He is insoluble glue holding the battered Yankees’ roster together, especially with Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt gone for the year. No one on the trade market could replace him, but with Judge coming back, the Yankees might have enough firepower to at least limp to the finish line.
Jakorian Bennett: The Odd Man Out For The Raiders?
The cornerback carousel in Las Vegas is spinning faster than ever, and one name keeps popping up on social media this week—Jakorian Bennett. Once regarded as a promising young starter, Bennett now finds himself in a challenging situation. With Pete Carroll’s arrival and the reconstruction of the Raiders’ secondary, it seems increasingly likely that Bennett could be the odd man out. However, it should be noted that this is pure speculation—for now. NFL analyst Moe Moton stirred the pot with a post on X/Twitter that raised eyebrows among Raider Nation: “I think it’s a possibility that Bennett gets traded if he doesn’t start this year. Teams will inquire about him. He has starting experience on the outside and played well before suffering that season-ending shoulder injury last year.” In short—if the Raiders don’t have room for Bennett, somebody else will. Would the Raiders actually trade Jakorian Bennett? Additionally, Jesse Merrick of Silver Black Sports Network echoed the sentiment, noting that Bennett has been bouncing between first-, second-, and third-team reps during camp. That’s rarely a positive sign. Even more telling is Merrick’s observation that Bennett doesn’t match the “size profile” Carroll historically prefers at cornerback. If you look at Carroll’s track record, especially in his Seattle days, there’s a certain frame he looks for. In fact, the Super Bowl-winning squad from 2013 heavily featured corners that were over six feet tall. Translation? The 5-foot-11 Bennett may not be the long-limbed, press-happy prototype Carroll covets. Let’s not jump to conclusions… Bennett isn’t just another camp body. His rookie tape showcased significant potential—physicality, closing speed, and a talent for playing the boundary. If it weren’t for the shoulder injury last year (his second season), he might have secured a role by now. However, the Raiders have revamped their roster with larger players and veteran additions, leaving Bennett in a precarious position. The upside? Bennett’s value hasn’t plummeted. He’s still on a rookie contract and has live NFL snaps under his belt—precisely the type of profile that could draw interest from CB-needy teams once the preseason dust settles. Should he indeed be the odd man out in Vegas, it is likely that trade discussions will commence sooner rather than later. Whether Bennett remains on the team or is traded, one thing is certain: the Raiders’ cornerback competition is one of the most captivating position battles of the summer. While Bennett may not be a starter by Week 1, he could very well become a valuable asset for another team. However, this is merely conjecture.
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