Avalanche Forward Valeri Nichushkin Suspended for Substance Abuse

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has been suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in stage 3 of the league's player assistance program for violating the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program.

The Colorado Avalanche announced on Tuesday that forward Valeri Nichushkin has been suspended for at least six months without pay for violating the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program.

Nichushkin, 27, has been placed in stage 3 of the league's player assistance program, which is designed to provide confidential support and treatment for players with substance abuse and mental health issues.

"We are deeply concerned about Valeri's health and well-being," Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said in a statement. "We fully support his decision to enter the player assistance program and will provide him with all the necessary resources to get the help he needs."

Nichushkin has been a key player for the Avalanche since joining the team in 2019. He has scored 56 goals and added 52 assists in 164 games with Colorado.

The Russian winger was a key contributor to the Avalanche's Stanley Cup victory in 2022, scoring seven goals and adding six assists in 20 playoff games.

Nichushkin's suspension is a significant blow to the Avalanche, who are currently in second place in the Central Division. The team will have to find a way to replace his production in the lineup.

The Avalanche have not announced a timetable for Nichushkin's return. He will be eligible to return to the team after serving his suspension and completing the player assistance program.

Nichushkin's suspension is the latest in a series of high-profile cases involving NHL players and substance abuse. In recent years, several players, including Evander Kane, Jack Eichel, and Jimmy Hayes, have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program.

The NHL and NHLPA have taken steps to address the issue of substance abuse among players. In 2019, the league and union agreed to a new Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program that includes increased testing, education, and treatment resources for players.

The NHL and NHLPA have also partnered with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation to provide confidential support and treatment for players with substance abuse and mental health issues.

The league and union are committed to providing players with the resources they need to get help for substance abuse and mental health issues. The NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program is a confidential program that provides players with the support and treatment they need to get their lives back on track.