The Colorado Avalanche will have to navigate the remainder of the playoffs without forward Valeri Nichushkin.
On Monday, the NHL and the National Hockey League Players' Association jointly announced Nichushkin's suspension for a minimum of six months without pay. He has been placed in Stage 3 of the NHLPA and NHL's Player Assistance Program.
Nichushkin will have the option to seek reinstatement after the six-month period specified in the league's announcement.
Although the NHL did not provide specific reasons for the suspension, reports from Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff suggest that Nichushkin recently failed a drug test. Seravalli also mentioned that Nichushkin's absence from multiple playoff games last season was due to a 911 call in Seattle, during which an intoxicated woman was discovered in his room.
In January, ESPN explained the Player Assistance Program, established in 1996, which offers support to players and their families dealing with issues like mental health and substance abuse. Participants in the program have access to counseling, treatment, and a hotline staffed by mental health professionals.
Nichushkin's absence is notable as he has been a standout performer for the Avalanche during the playoffs, tallying nine goals and one assist in 10 postseason games. He notably recorded a hat trick in a Game 4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in the first round, placing him tied with Zach Hyman of the Edmonton Oilers for the most goals in the postseason.
As the Avalanche currently trail the Dallas Stars 2-1 in their second-round series, they will aim to even the score in Monday's upcoming matchup.
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