Nichushkin's Absence Casts Shadow Over Avs Stanley Cup Hopes
Avalanche Forward Suspended for Minimum of Six Months
Bad News for a Team with High Hopes
For the second postseason in a row, Nichushkin's absence casts a long shadow over Avs Stanley Cup dreams.
The NHL, the NHLPA, and the Avalanche would not confirm reports from Daily Faceoff and ESPN that Nichushkin was suspended for a minimum of six months on Monday, the NHL announced.
Receiving bad news before any game is tough, but finding out a top player is gone for a while can be even tougher.
Nichushkin, 29, spent 22 games in the player assistance program this season from mid-January through early March.
FILE - Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin celebrates his goal during the second period of the Western Conference second round playoff game against the St. Louis Blues in Denver, Sunday, May 8, 2022. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
DENVER (AP) — The nameplate above the locker for Valeri Nichushkin has already been removed.
Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche looks on during a first period face-off against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Western Conference second round playoff series, Monday, May 2, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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