Adam Lowry Following Elimination The National Hockey League has announced the suspension of Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin for six months. The half-year ban also sees Nichushkin lost all pay he would have accrued during that time period. The suspension is for a personal violation of the NHL Players’ Association’s Player Assistance Program. The violation means Nichushkin has dropped into Stage III of the program. He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement in six months’ time, should he successfully adhere to the rules set out by the program. Initially entering the Player Assistance Program last spring after an intoxicated woman was found in his hotel room. He then failed the requirements to remain in Stage II, meaning Nichushkin suffered a relapse, failing a recent drug test. Nichushkin is currently tied with Edmonton’s Zach Hyman for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs’ goal-scoring lead with nine goals. Seven of those goals came in Colorado’s 4-1 opening round series victory over the Winnipeg Jets. He scored a hat trick in Colorado’s 5-1 Game 4 win. Nichushkin, originally drafted 10th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2013, has 116 goals, 274 points and 78 penalty minutes in 512 regular season games between the Stars and Avalanche. Colorado is currently trailing its best-of-seven second round playoff series 2-1 to Dallas.
