Valeri Nichushkin Returns to Avalanche Practice After Player Assistance Program

Overview

• Valeri Nichushkin has been cleared to resume practicing with the Colorado Avalanche after receiving care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
• Nichushkin entered the program in mid-January and is now in the follow-up care phase, though he has not yet been cleared for game action.
• This marks the second time Nichushkin was absent from the team in the last year, previously missing the final five postseason games due to personal reasons.
• Before his absence, Nichushkin was a key player for the Avalanche, with 22 goals and 20 assists in 40 games this season.
• Nichushkin's previous absence involved an incident with an intoxicated woman found in his hotel room, which led to police involvement but no further investigation.