Avalanche Rising Star Valeri Nichushkin Suspended For 6 Months, Placed in NHL's Player Assistance Program
The Colorado Avalanche, amid a playoff series against the Dallas Stars, announced that forward Valeri Nichushkin will be sidelined for the remainder of the postseason after entering Stage 3 of the NHL's Player Assistance Program.
DALLAS, TX - MAY 09: Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) waits for the puck to drop during game two of the Western Conference Round two playoffs between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche on May 9, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Nichuskin, a trending player for the Avalanche this postseason, is suspended for at least six months without pay. The 29-year-old was tied for the NHL postseason lead in scoring nine goals (seven games).
The announcement dropped leading into Monday's Game 4 at Ball Arena, with Colorado facing a 2-1 series deficit.
READ: Video Shows Intoxicated Woman At Hotel Of Avalanche Forward Valeri Nichushkin After 911 Crisis Call
Unfortunately, Nichuskin's personal troubles with substance abuse cut his postseason short, with all the concern now about Nichuskin's well-being away from the game. He started the season on the NHLPA and NHL Player Assistance Program, missing nearly two months.
Nichuskin played in 54 games for the Avalanche this year, tallying 28 goals (53 points) in 54 games.
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 11: Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche skates in warmups ahead of Game Three of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena on May 11, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ashley Potts/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Russian faced a suspension last Stanley Cup Playoffs after an incident involving an intoxicated woman in his hotel room. Colorado attributed his absence to "personal reasons."
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