Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin back with team, return set for Nov. 15
On Monday, embattled Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin returned to practice, a sign his six-month suspension is nearing an end.
"I think it's a relief for him. He's been skating on his own for months now," defenseman Cale Makar said of Nichushkin's return. "It's good to see him out there."
Nichushkin remains in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, which supports players dealing with mental health, substance abuse, or other personal challenges. Though he is not currently on the active roster (and thus ineligible to play in games), Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar reiterated on Monday that Nichushkin should be ready to play immediately once his suspension is lifted.
"It's great. We need all the help we can get," Bednar said after practice.
Nichushkin was one of Colorado's top forwards in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs before his suspension, which was announced on May 13, hours before the Avalanche's Game 4 matchup against the Dallas Stars in the second round. The NHL does not disclose details about suspensions related to its assistance program.
This was the latest of several off-ice issues that have affected the 29-year-old Russian's career. During the 2023 playoffs, Nichushkin also left the team abruptly after an incident at the team hotel in Seattle. According to a police report, team employees found a woman in Nichushkin's room who was so intoxicated she required medical attention. Nichushkin did not play in the final five games of that series, which Colorado lost to the Seattle Kraken. No charges were filed, and Nichushkin did not face discipline from the NHL or the Avalanche.
Despite these incidents, Nichushkin remains one of Colorado's most productive forwards. He scored 28 goals and tallied 53 points in the 2023–24 regular season, ranking fifth on the team despite playing in only 54 games. His efforts in Colorado's 2022 Stanley Cup Championship run earned him an eight-year, $49 million extension, tying him to the Avalanche through the 2030 season.
Avalanche players were positive about Nichushkin's return on Monday.
"I don't think [there's any difficulty in the relationship]," Makar said. "I think it's about welcoming him back. We want to do everything we possibly can to help him, and I think he understands that. He has to be in the best possible mindset for himself, and as a team, we've got to help him get there. It's awesome to see him back around the rink, smiling, having fun."
The Avalanche have been hit by injuries this season, at one point missing six of their top nine forwards. Fellow forward Artturi Lehkonen, activated off injured reserve after shoulder surgery, practiced Monday and played for the first time this season in Tuesday's win over Seattle. Left winger Jonathan Drouin (upper-body injury) was hurt in Colorado's season opener and is "close" to returning, according to Bednar.
"I think it's going to help us," forward Mikko Rantanen said about Nichushkin's return. "That's three elite forwards right there. That's going to help our team get on a roll and rack up some wins."
If Bednar's expectations hold, Nichushkin could return on Nov. 15, with his first game back set for Ball Arena against the Washington Capitals.
