Valeri Nichushkin has arrived back in Denver and is set to begin skating and working out on his own, the Avalanche announced on Saturday.
Colorado’s top forward is serving his six-month suspension in Stage 3 of the NHL Player Assistance Program. He is eligible to be reinstated on Nov. 13.
General Manager Chris MacFarland said before opening night that Nichushkin “is doing great” and he expects to have him back sometime in November. It’s unclear at this time if Nichushkin will be able to rejoin his teammates for practice before Nov. 13. But the team has already said they will “welcome him back with open arms” when he’s reinstated.
The Avalanche have struggled to start the season with Nichushkin, among other top forwards, missing from the lineup. Their 4-3 OT victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday was their first win of the season. They are 1-4-0 despite playing four of the first five games at Ball Arena.
Despite dealing with numerous off-ice issues, Nichushkin remains one of Colorado’s best forwards. His two-way play and dynamic scoring abilities make him a valuable piece of the roster. And it shows when he’s missing from the lineup.
Since 2021-22, the Avalanche are 40-37-5 without Nichushkin in the lineup — compiling just 85 points in those 82 games. With Nichushkin available, they boast a record of 118-35-16.
More to come.
