DENVER — Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has made his return to the team and will play his first game of the season Friday night against the Washington Capitals. This follows his recent reintegration after being placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program six months prior. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed enthusiasm for Nichushkin’s comeback, stating that he is “in a good spot” following the team’s morning skate on Friday.
Nichushkin’s suspension was made public during the playoffs when the Avalanche were facing off against the Dallas Stars. This marks the second consecutive postseason that the 29-year-old Russian right winger has been absent due to off-ice issues. He also left unexpectedly during the 2023 first-round playoff series against the Seattle Kraken for personal reasons. Back in May, Nichushkin was suspended without pay for a minimum of six months due to his violation of the player assistance program, which offers support for various issues, including mental health and substance addiction.
Despite facing early injuries and missing Nichushkin, the Avalanche currently hold a record of 9-8. Forward Nathan MacKinnon shared his feelings about Nichushkin’s return, saying, “He’s our friend. He’s a great guy to be around. He’s just a great teammate, obviously a hell of a player. Really, really happy he’s back, and it’s a big boost for us for sure.”
Nichushkin is signed with the Avalanche until the end of the 2029-30 season, following an eight-year contract worth $49 million that he signed in 2022. Last season, he achieved a career-high of 28 goals in just 54 regular-season games. Defenseman Cale Makar also commented on Nichushkin’s well-being, noting, “He’s done the work for the last six months or so. It’s great to see where he’s at now. It seems like he’s a happy guy.”
MacKinnon added to this sentiment, stating, “Looks great. He’s healthy. He’s happy. Seems like he’s in a great mood and great place. I’m sure he’s really excited to do what he loves again.”
The Avalanche appear to be gradually regaining their strength, with Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood set to return against the Capitals. However, they still have some key players sidelined, including Ross Colton, who is recovering from a broken foot, and captain Gabriel Landeskog, who is dealing with a knee injury. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev is currently listed as day-to-day due to an upper-body issue.
Landeskog, who is approaching his 32nd birthday on November 23, has been out of action since helping the Avalanche clinch the Stanley Cup in 2022. He underwent a cartilage transplant in his knee on May 10, 2023, as part of his recovery efforts. Currently, there is no set timeline for his return, but Landeskog was seen on the ice at practice participating in some puck-passing drills.
“Usually when he’s out there, you start wondering what it would be like to have him back,” Bednar remarked. “We’re not quite there yet, but I think anytime he gets on the ice with our guys, and he’s around the room more, it helps.”