Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin Suspended Six Months, Placed in Stage 3 of Player Assistance Program

May 14, 2024, 12:57 AM

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has been placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and will be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months. This suspension comes after Nichushkin reportedly failed a drug test, violating the terms of the program. Nichushkin, who was a key player for the Avalanche and tied for the league lead in goals this playoffs with nine, will be eligible to apply for reinstatement after the suspension period. The announcement was made just one hour before Game 4 of the second-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars, where the Avalanche now trail 3-1 in the series. Nichushkin has had multiple alcohol-related offenses dating back to last season and missed playoff games last year following a 911 call in Seattle.