Why is Valeri Nichushkin not playing tonight? Avs forward’s status announced ahead of Game 4 between Avalanche-Stars

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin will not play tonight in game 4 against the Dallas Stars. Per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Valeri Nichushkin is in stage 3 of the Player Assistance Program, meaning he will be placed on unpaid suspension for at least six months. Following this period, Nichushkin can apply to return.

Both the NHL and NHLPA did not give a specific reason for Valeri Nichushkin’s placement in the Program. However, word from Daily Faceoff columnist and insider Frank Seravalli is that:

“Nichushkin recently failed a drug test.”

Seravalli also noted that Nichushkin missed several games during last year’s playoffs due to a 911 call reporting that an intoxicated woman had been found in Nichushkin’s room while in Seattle.

Thus far, the Avalanche have not made an official statement on the matter.

Nichushkin has already been in the Player Assistance Program once this year. He entered the Program in January, missing a total of 21 games before coming back to the team in March. Now, this situation marks Nichushkin’s second stint in the Program.

Nichushkin will be absent for the rest of this year’s playoffs and it remains to be seen how his second stint in the Program will affect his career moving forward.

Valeri Nichushkin's teammate Sam Girard had entered Player Assistance Program to battle alcohol abuse and depression

The NHL Player Assistance Program was created in 1996 to help players deal with mental health issues. Many notable names have entered the Program, including future Hall of Famer Carey Price.

In general, the Program is voluntary, and it allows players to seek counseling and support for any number of issues. For example, Valeri Nichushkin’s teammate Samuel Girard entered the Program in 2023, seeking support for alcohol abuse and depression. Girard was quoted by ESPN saying:

"Taking care of your mental health is of the utmost importance, and I encourage everyone to speak up and seek help should you feel like you need it."

So, the question begs, “What’s next for Valeri Nichushkin?” - Given Nichushkin’s six-month ban, he would be able to apply for reinstatement in October. However, he would miss training camp, making it difficult for him to join the team. It’s worth noting that Nichushkin is on the books until 2029-30. He’s got a no-movement clause in every year of the deal. That would make it hard for Colorado to move him if they wanted to.