Earlier this evening, news broke from Chris Johnston of TSN that avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was placed in a stage three level of the NHLPA player assistance program after he violated his treatment program. This violation warrants a six-month suspension without pay.
According to Frank Seravalli of the dailyfaceoff.com, Nichushkin failed a drug test which prompted the NHL to move in with this suspension. It was reported also last season that he also missed several playoff games after a 911 call was placed in Seattle where an intoxicated woman was found in his room.
The 29-year-old right winger has had his troubles over the past number of years and these incidents do not help his cause as he has been a vital component to the avalanche playoff run. Throughout these playoffs, he has played eight games and he had scored nine goals with one assist for 10 points and is a + 1.
As reported, Nichushkin will need to serve his six months and then apply for reinstatement into the NHL. The silver lining for the Avalanche is that his cap it of $6.125 million per season will not count towards the avalanche cap space. He will be entering his third year in his eight-year deal worth $49 million which stretches till 2029-2030.
