Valeri Nichushkin Suspended Six Months Without Pay

Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche has re-entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance following a failed drug test. Nichuskin has scored nine goals in the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and leaves his team down against the Dallas Stars where they look to clinch a spot in the Western Conference finals.

Nichushkin, 29, has been a stellar signing for the Colorado Avalanche since being signed in the 2019-20 season. Drafted 10th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2013, Nichuskin has had his fair share of struggles throughout his tenure in the NHL.

Last year, Nichushkin missed part of Colorado’s playoff run after a 911 was made in Seattle after an intoxicated woman was found in his hotel room. Nichushkin entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program in January 2024.

The 6-foot-4 winger was part of Colorado’s Stanley Cup victory in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Hailing from Chelyabinsk, Russia, Nichushkin is in year two of an eight-year deal worth $6.125 annually.


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Conrad Jack

Conrad Jack is a Manitoba based sportswriter covering the Winnipeg Jets (NHL) and the Manitoba Moose (AHL). He also covers the NHL Draft and World Junior Championship for ITR. He writes the Bargain Bin blog which covers NHL News & Rumours.

Leave a Reply

Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers Playoff Thoughts: Round 3, Game 5

Happy belated 9th Birthday, Ben Stelter. Tuesday night’s win was for you. We’re just one win away from a second straight Finals appearance. We always wish Ben were still with us and imagine how joyful he’d be to watch the Edmonton Oilers in these Playoff runs the last couple of years. A really nice gesture […]

Read More
NHL Playoff Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars with Line Combinations 5/29/2025

NHL Playoff Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars with Line Combinations 5/29/2025

NHL Playoff Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars with Line Combinations 5/29/2025

Read More
Porter Martone 2025 Draft Profile

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Porter Martone

The Scouting Report: Porter Martone of Peterborough, ON, is one of the prominent players available in the 2025 NHL Draft and is projected to be a top-five selection. Martone has been in the conversation for the first overall pick at different times this season, and with 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games with […]

Read More