Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has voluntarily entered the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program, formerly called the NHLPA Substance Abuse Program.
Nichushkin will be out of the team's lineup indefinitely while he deals with his personal issues. While he has been relatively quiet regarding his absence from the lineup in the past, he's is facing things head on this time and has in fact released a public statement.
From Nichushkin earlier today:
I have made the decision to seek help and enter the Players Assistance Program. My goal is to address my issues and prevent any negative outcomes once and for all. I want to thank my wife and family, my friends, the Avalanche organization and all of our fans for their understanding and support. I will do everything I can to get back on the ice and join my teammates as soon as possible."
- Valeri Nichushkin
Read below for our earlier report on this developing story.
A Colorado Avalanche insider is making some rather big claims regarding the current absence of Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin.
On Saturday, the Avalanche reported that Nichushkin was expected to be a game time decision due to illness against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with Nichushkin eventually missing the game. Now however, Avalanche insider Adrian Dater is reporting that something far more serious has transpired behind the scenes involving Nichushkin.
According to Dater, his sources have informed him that Nichushkin is headed back into the National Hockey League's Player Assistance Program. According to Dater, this will leave Nichushkin out of the lineup indefinitely.
This would be a huge blow to the Avalanche with Nichushkin producing at a blistering pace this season. The 28 year old Russian forward has 22 goals and 20 assists for a total of 42 points on the season in spite of appearing in just 40 games for the Avalanche thus far.
Nichushkin has been no stranger to trouble off the ice, in April of 2023 the Avalanche forward was involved in a very high profile incident that occurred in a Seattle hotel room during the Avalanche's Stanley Cup playoff run.
If Dater is indeed correct, I can only hope that Nichushkin gets the help that he needs.
