The nameplate above Valeri Nichushkin’s locker at the Colorado Avalanche’s practice facility has been removed. This might be a temporary or permanent change.
For the second year in a row, the Avalanche face playoff elimination without Nichushkin, a key player, due to off-ice issues. This could be the breaking point for the team regarding the 29-year-old Russian forward.
Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months and placed in stage 3 of the league’s player assistance program, announced an hour before the Avalanche’s 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, leaving them down 3-1 in the second-round series. Coach Jared Bednar did not blame the loss on Nichushkin’s absence, noting the team had been without him earlier this season while he was receiving care. Stage 3 indicates he violated the program’s terms, covering issues like mental health and substance abuse.
Nichushkin will miss the rest of the playoffs and the first month of the next season. His suspension was communicated to teammates at various times, disrupting their rhythm in Game 4. Colorado star Nathan MacKinnon, informed by president Joe Sakic and general manager Chris MacFarland, expressed sympathy for Nichushkin but declined further comment.
Details of Nichushkin’s struggles remain undisclosed. Last spring, he abruptly left a playoff series against Seattle, missing the final five games as the Avalanche lost the series 4-3. This postseason, Nichushkin led the team with nine playoff goals. He is contracted through the 2029-30 season with an eight-year, $49 million deal signed in 2022.
The uncertainty of Nichushkin’s return and how he might regain teammates’ trust looms large. Coach Bednar expressed hope for Nichushkin’s happiness and peace, whether with the team or not.
With a core group in their prime, including MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen, and hoping for Gabriel Landeskog’s return from injury, the Avalanche are focused on avoiding another early playoff exit. Forward Andrew Cogliano emphasized the need to focus on the current team and their efforts despite recent setbacks.
The Avalanche also faced the absence of top defenseman Devon Toews due to illness just before Game 4, compounding their challenges. Nichushkin had previously been unavailable for nearly two months for undisclosed care.
Last spring, Nichushkin’s playoff absence began after a crisis call at a Seattle hotel before Game 3. A heavily intoxicated woman found by team employees required EMS assistance. The Avalanche’s season ended with a Game 7 loss to the Kraken.
The Avalanche’s season could end in Dallas on Wednesday. MacKinnon remains confident in the team’s ability to win despite the challenges.
