Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in stage 3 of the league’s player assistance program just an hour before Game 4 of the second-round series against the Dallas Stars. This marks the second time this season that Nichushkin has been in the program, with stage 3 indicating a violation of program terms.
As a result, the 29-year-old Russian forward will miss the remainder of the postseason and at least the first month of the next season. Nichushkin, who has scored nine playoff goals this season, previously took a two-month hiatus earlier in the season for undisclosed issues.
Nichushkin’s suspension comes after he left the team abruptly during a playoff series last spring, with vague explanations being provided at the time. The situation was further complicated when officers responded to a crisis call at a hotel in Seattle, where a heavily intoxicated woman was found with ties to Nichushkin.
The Avalanche organization has been supportive of Nichushkin’s struggles, with defenseman Samuel Girard also entering the program for anxiety and depression-related issues earlier in the season. While the news of Nichushkin’s suspension is disappointing for the team and fans, the hope is that he will receive the necessary support to address his challenges and return stronger in the future.
