DENVER (AP) — Nameplate above locker Valeri Nichushkin It has already been removed from the Colorado Avalanche’s practice facility.
It may be for now, or it may be forever.
The Avalanche are on the brink of being eliminated from the playoffs for the second year in a row as one of their top players, Nichushkin, is off the ice.
This could be the last straw for the Avs regarding the talented 29-year-old Russian forward.
The co-leader in Stanley Cup Playoff goals was suspended for at least six months. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh has more to say.
Nichushkin was suspended Monday night without pay for at least six months and placed in the third phase of the league’s player assistance program. The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players Association announced the news about an hour before the Avalanche’s 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, giving them a 3-1 lead. 2nd round series.
Coach Jared Bednar didn’t think the lack of his team’s leading playoff scorer was a factor in the loss. After all, Colorado missed Nichushkin earlier this season as he underwent treatment. His return cheered Colorado, but Stage 3 means he violated the terms of the program, which helps with everything from mental health needs to substance abuse.
Nichushkin will miss the remainder of the postseason and at least the first month of next season.
Teammates heard the news of his suspension at various times throughout the day. In Game 4, he lost his rhythm from the start, losing 16-2 in the first period and never getting back on track. He must win Wednesday in Dallas to avoid elimination in the best-of-seven series.
“Obviously it’s tough for him and his family,” Colorado star Nathan MacKinnon said Tuesday after optional practice, adding that he received the news about Nichushkin from president Joe Sakic and general manager Chris McFarland. added. “That’s all I have to say about that.”
Details of Mr. Nichushkin’s struggle have not been disclosed.in the first round of the playoff series Last spring’s game against SeattleNichushkin abruptly left the team and missed the final five postseason games as the Avalanche lost the series 4-3.
This postseason, Nichushkin was a valuable contributor, scoring a team-leading nine goals in the playoffs. He signed an eight-year, $49 million contract with the Avalanche in 2022 and is under contract through the 2029-30 season.
It’s unclear exactly when or if Nichushkin will return. If he comes back, how will he regain trust when his teammates have already given him a chance?
“Val is clearly struggling with something,” Bednar said. “Yeah, that’s terrible for our team. We have to turn the page.
“I want him to be happy and I want him to be happy with his life, whether it’s on our team or not,” Bednar added. “We hope he can find some peace and get some help.”
The team is also at the peak of its title bid, behind a core group that includes the 28-year-old McKinnon. Cale Makar, 25 years old. They are also hoping for the return of 31-year-old captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has been missing since undergoing cartilage replacement surgery in his right knee last May. 2 consecutive seasons.
The immediate concern for Colorado State is finding a way to rebuild the team and avoid another early exit.
“This is a tough business. This is our job and we’re doing our best,” forward Andrew Cogliano said. “So I think we’re focused on the people who are out there. We have a lot of great people here who are trying to make a difference, and at the end of the day, that’s what we do. That’s what it is for.”
The Avalanche also learned just before Game 4 that top defenseman Devon Toews would be sidelined due to illness, another blow to the 2022 Stanley Cup champions.
“No one feels sorry for us,” Cogliano said.
Nichushkin missed almost two months at the beginning of this season, from January 13th to March 7th. receive care from The program in question has not been released.
Nichushkin’s absence from last spring’s playoffs began after police responded to an emergency call at a Seattle hotel before Game 3. The 28-year-old woman was in the ambulance when officers arrived, and her medical personnel were asked to speak with the Avalanche team physician. Collect more details.
An Avalanche doctor told officers that team personnel spotted the woman while checking on Nichushkin, according to a report obtained by The Associated Press at the time from the Seattle Police Department. The doctor told officers the woman appeared to be highly intoxicated and she requested EMS assistance.
The University of Colorado’s season ended with a 2-1 loss at home to the Kraken in Game 7.
It could very well end in Dallas on Wednesday.
“Obviously we want Val in the lineup and we want (Toews) in the lineup, too,” McKinnon said. “But we still feel like we’re good enough to win it all.”
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Associated Press hockey writer Stephen Wyno contributed to this report.
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