The Colorado Avalanche's forward Valeri Nichuskin has once again found himself under the Assistance of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, but this time under a much bigger stage.
The NHL confirmed that the Avs' 13 had breached the protocol and that for a second time in two straight playoffs season, he'd be out on the sidelines:
Valeri Nichushkin has been placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program -- which comes with a minimum six-month suspension without pay before he's eligible to apply for reinstatement
#Avs forward Val Nichushkin has been suspended without pay for a minimum 6 months for violating terms of #NHL/#NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Sources say Nichushkin recently failed a drug test. He missed playoff games last year after a 911 call in Seattle in which an intoxicated woman was found in his room
That truly is a tough loss for the Avalanche who are trying to comeback to the Stars. The loss of Nichuskin's scoring ability will be a huge problem for them moving forward.
In 8 post season games in 2024, the forward scored 9 times and added an assist.
