Entering the program
The announcement came today that Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Nichushkin has entered the program for an unknown reason at this time. He is now the second player from the Avalanche to enter the program this season. Nichushkin will be away from the team indefinateley. Earlier this season, Samuel Girard entered the program for depression and alcohol abuse. Since Girard’s return, there has been a noticeable difference in the quality of his playing.
Official word has been released by the league that Val Nichushkin has entered the Player Assistance Program. #Avs #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/S1w6TzZQuf
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 15, 2024
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 15, 2024
His past
Last season in April, Nichushkin was involved in an incident at the team hotel before game three of the first round. A woman, who was not his spouse, was discovered intoxicated in his room that morning. She had to be treated by the team doctor and eventually by paramedics at the scene.
Nichushkin was later seen leaving Seattle with team security at the airport. He stayed away from the team for the remaining playoffs. Nichushkin would stay to himself mostly for the summer training in Russia.
The release of the body cam footage of the Seattle incident would unveil more details. Here is a very detailed breakdown from local NBC report Steve Steager:
WATCH: Body camera video obtained by 9NEWS shows the moments after police arrive at the Colorado Avalanche team hotel in Seattle on April 22. The team called 911 for EMS for an intoxicated woman found in Val Nichushkin's room.
Nichushkin isn't at the hotel when police arrive. pic.twitter.com/jWWf9Xn6cd
— Steve Staeger (@SteveStaeger) June 2, 2023
Nichushkin has been highly consistent for the Avalanche this season. After missing a good portion of last season from foot and ankle surgeries, he is fully healthy. He has been on pace for career year so far with his 22 goals and 20 assists. Nichushkin hardly ever goes more than one game in the lineup without adding a point to his tally. His forechecking style is aggressive and something that a lot of teams cannot handle, forcing a lot of turnovers by the opposing team.
If he believes entering the program is necessary, good for him. The Avalanche will find a way, as they did without Girard. If Nichushkin improves as both a person and player, this move will benefit.