Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was placed in Stage 3 of the Player Assistance Program of the NHLPA and NHL, meaning he is suspended without pay for at least six months, the NHLPA and NHL announced Monday. After the suspension ends, he will be eligible to apply for reinstatement.
Nichushkin, 29, was away from the team for nearly two months during the regular season, from mid-January to early March. He also missed the final five games of the team’s opening-round playoff series against the Kraken in the opening round of the 2023 playoffs due to personal reasons.
The latest suspension came hours ahead of Colorado’s Game 4 contest against the Stars, with Dallas leading the series 2-1. Nichushkin had been on the ice for the team’s morning skate.
There was no reason given for Nichushkin’s placement in the program — the standard ever since the program began in 1996 — Pierre LeBrun outlined the stages of the program as such:
Nichushkin scored a goal in each of the Avalanche’s first seven games this postseason, tying the longest streak to open a postseason in NHL history, before he went scoreless in Game 3 against his former team. The Stars selected him 10th in the NHL Draft back in 2013; he joined the Avalanche in 2019.
Nichushkin registered a career-high 53 points in the regular season.
Valeri Nichushkin, forward for the Colorado Avalanche, has been suspended for six months as part of Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. The program is designed to provide support and resources to players who are dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues.
Nichushkin’s suspension comes after he voluntarily entered the program for undisclosed reasons. The Avalanche released a statement expressing their support for Nichushkin and his decision to seek help. General Manager Joe Sakic stated, “We are fully supportive of Valeri’s decision to enter the Player Assistance Program. Our primary concern is for his health and well-being, and we will continue to support him throughout this process.”
The 26-year-old Russian forward has been a key player for the Avalanche, recording 14 goals and 27 assists in 79 games last season. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, but his health and well-being are the top priority.
This suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and substance abuse awareness in professional sports. The NHL and NHLPA have made strides in recent years to provide support and resources for players who may be struggling, and programs like this one are crucial in ensuring that players get the help they need.
As fans, it’s important to show support and understanding for players like Nichushkin who are going through difficult times. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s essential that we continue to break the stigma surrounding these issues in sports.
We wish Valeri Nichushkin all the best as he works through this challenging time, and we look forward to seeing him back on the ice when he is ready.
