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The Colorado Avalanche are amid an intense Stanley Cup Playoff matchup against the Dallas Stars. However, the team is being hit with a shocking Valeri Nichushkin update. Nichushkin has been suspended without pay for a minimum of six months for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, per Frank Seravalli.
Sources say that Nichushkin recently failed a drug test. The stunning news comes after the left wing missed playoff games in 2023 stemming from a 911 call in Seattle in which an intoxicated woman was found in his room, per insight from Seravalli.
Valeri Nichushkin appeared in 54 regular season games for Colorado during the 2023-24 season. The 29-year-old played a notable role in the team's attack, amassing 28 goals, 25 assists, and 53 points. Furthermore, Nichushkin appeared in eight 2024 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
He helped the Avalanche beat the Winnipeg Jets and attempted to help Colorado rally from a 2-1 deficit to the Dallas Stars. Nichushkin scored nine goals with one assist and accumulated 10 points before news of his drug test surfaced. Now, Colorado will continue their steep challenge against Dallas without his services.
The Avalanche started their Stars series with a statement 4-3 win off a gutsy performance from All-Star defenseman Cale Makar. Makar totaled one goal, two assists, and three points. Colorado received help from Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, both of whom contributed two points.
Valerie Nichushkin also chipped in two points. It is tough to lose his services during a crucial playoff moment.
Avalanche must find a way to win without Valeri Nichushkin
Valeri Nichushkin was on the verge of making history with a standout goal streak he increased in Game 1's win against Dallas.
“Valeri Nichushkin (8-1—9 in 6 GP) was pivotal in Colorado’s three-goal comeback win in Game 1 by scoring the first of his team’s three straight goals in regulation,” NHL Public Relations wrote. “His string of success was established at the start of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and enters Game 2 with the opportunity to join Pat LaFontaine (7 GP in 1992 w/ BUF) as just the second player in NHL history to score in each of his club’s first seven games of a postseason.”
It will be challenging to win without Nichushkin's contributions, but the Avalanche still have positive things to look forward to. Jonathan Drouin reportedly skated with the Avs in Dallas on May 9th amid his recovery from injury. Drouin has experienced encouraging progress; however, there is still no firm timetable for his return. Hopefully, he will have a speedy recovery process.
Drouin has not played since Colorado's April 18th regular-season finale against the Edmonton Oilers after he suffered a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old was having a breakout year before his ailment. He played a career-high 79 games and amassed 19 goals, 37 assists, and 56 points. He would give the Avalanche a much-needed offensive boost against the Stars.
Dallas entered Monday night's Game 4 matchup off a 4-1 Game 3 victory. The Stars put on a commanding two-way performance that prevented Colorado from evening up the series. Nevertheless, the Avalanche look to overcome their challenges and make a comeback.
