Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin has been suspended for a minimum of six months after violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Assistance Program for the second time this season. The announcement came hours before Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Stars.
The Colorado Avalanche have been dealt a significant blow as star winger Valeri Nichushkin has been placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Assistance Program, resulting in a minimum six-month suspension. The announcement came just hours before the Avalanche faced the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinals matchup.
This is the second time this season that Nichushkin has entered the program, with Stage 3 indicating a violation of the program's terms. Under the joint program, Nichushkin will be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months before being eligible to apply for reinstatement.
Nichushkin has been a key contributor for the Avalanche this season, leading the team with nine playoff goals. His absence will be a major setback for the team as they aim to advance in the playoffs.
Earlier in the season, Nichushkin missed nearly two months while receiving care from the program for undisclosed issues. His absence came on the heels of missing the final five games of the Avalanche's playoff exit last season for what the team called personal reasons.
During the Avalanche's playoff series against the Seattle Kraken last season, Nichushkin left the team for personal reasons. His absence began after officers were called to a crisis at a hotel before Game 3. A 28-year-old woman was reportedly in an ambulance when police arrived, and medics were told to speak with an Avalanche team physician to gather more details.
A Seattle police report stated that the Avalanche physician informed officers that team employees found the woman when they checked on Nichushkin. The physician told officers that the woman appeared to be heavily intoxicated, too intoxicated to have left the hotel in a cab or otherwise, and requested EMS assistance.
When asked about the incident before the season, Nichushkin downplayed its significance, stating, "I know you guys want to find something there, but it's nothing really interesting. I think we should close it."
In the 54 games he played during the 2023-24 season, Nichushkin scored 28 goals and recorded 53 points. His contributions will be sorely missed by the Avalanche as they pursue their Stanley Cup aspirations.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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