Colorado Avalanche share their plan for Valeri Nichushkin once his suspension is lifted
The Colorado Avalanche held their annual media day earlier this week ahead of training camp with the topic of controversial Russian winger Valeri Nichushkin being brought up to head coach Jared Bednar and the rest of Nichushkin's teammates. Nichushkin left the team during their second-round series against the Dallas Stars because of multiple failed drug tests, was suspended for six months and placed placed in Stage 3 of NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
The 29-year-old Nichushkin missed from Jan. 13 to Mar. 7 last season when he was enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Bednar revealed that Nichushkin is doing well and will be welcomed back with open arms by the franchise.
"The reports are that Val is doing well and he's making progress," Bednar said. "We'll get some information from the league at some point on if he can come in early and start skating with the team or on his own, just how much he's going to be able to participate prior to his suspension ending.
"Then he's back and we will welcome him with open arms."
Nichushkin's suspension will run through at least mid-November, and there will be requirements for him to earn reinstatement. If he were to violate the terms of his reinstatement again, the next suspension would be for one year with no guarantee of a return.
Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon echoed his coach's statement that they will be welcoming towards Nichushkin when he returns.
"Nothing. I don't think we need to hear anything," forward Nathan MacKinnon said. "I can't speak for everybody, but when he gets back I'm sure he'll be in awesome shape like he always is. He was playing great when that happened. So yeah, I don't really need to hear anything."
Nichushkin was close to a point-per-game player during the regular season, scoring 28 goals and 53 points in 54 games. He carried that momentum into the playoffs, scoring 9 goals and 10 points in 8 games.
Nichushkin has been a force when in the lineup for Colorado but unfortunately, the issues the Russian native is battling away from the rink have cost him a lot of games.
