Avs HC Jared Bednar reveals Valeri Nichushkin's return date from 6-month ban

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin will hit the ice on November 15, coach Jared Bednar has confirmed

During a media availability on Sunday, Bednar was asked about Nichushkin’s projected return date. Bednar didn't blink, immediately confirming the date for Valeri Nichushkin’s season debut. Here’s the full quote:

“It’s been great. I think the guys are excited to get him back. Friday’s the day. We’re only two games away.”

By “Friday’s the day,” Bednar meant November 15. That night, the Colorado Avalanche will host the Washington Capitals at the Ball Arena.

Afterward, Bednar was asked about Nichushkin’s conditioning insofar as his readiness for game action. Bednar confirmed that Nichushkin would be ready to play at full speed.

Nichushkin received a six-month suspension for alleged substance abuse during last spring’s playoffs. He subsequently entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Nichushkin hasn't played since entering the Player Assistance Program but started skating with the Avs around mid-October.

Valeri Nichushkin is eligible for reinstatement into the NHL on November 15. Barring an unforeseen setback, Nichushkin should be ready to join the Avs. He would be a welcome addition after a rash of injuries has devastated the Colorado lineup.

The Avs got Artturi Lehkonen back this past week, adding some much-needed offense and experience to what has largely been a make-shift lineup for the Avalanche this season.

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Valeri Nichushkin expected back into a top-six role

Nichushkin’s long-anticipated return gives the Avalanche another top-six option. Currently, Artturi Lehkonen is skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Assuming that line stays the same, Nichushkin could slide into the second line with Casey Mittelstadt and Logan O’Connor.

Last season, Nichushkin was productive in a top-six role. In 54 games, he scored 28 goals and totaled 53 points. The year before, he had notched up 47 points in 53 games.

The former first-round pick of the Dallas Stars has found success in Colorado, particularly in the playoffs. During the Avalanche’s 2021-22 Stanley Cup season, Nichushkin scored nine goals and totaled 15 points in 20 postseason games.

That sort of performance is what the Avs are hoping to get from Nichushkin, especially considering the depleted lineup. The Avs are without top-six forwards Ross Colton and Jonathan Drouin. As such, Nichushkin’s return should help Colorado minimize the impact of Colton and Drouin’s absences.

If all goes well, Nichushkin’s return should provide an enormous boost for Colorado as the club looks to complete its turnaround after a disastrous 0-4 start.