This just in, Colorado Avalanche star forward Valeri Nichushkin has been placed in stage 3 Player Assistance Program by the NHL. He faces a suspension of 6 months without pay and then could apply for reinstatement following that.
NHL & NHLPA announced Colorado's Valeri Nichushkin is now in Stage 3 of the Player Assistance Program.
As a result, Nichushkin will be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months, then can apply for reinstatement.
Nichushkin has been Colorados best goal scorer in the postseason with 9 goals in eight games. Elliotte Friedman reported the reason that Nichuskin is facing a 6 month suspension is that he failed to pass a drug test moments before game 4 agains the Dallas Stars.
#Avs forward Val Nichushkin has been suspended without pay for a minimum 6 months for violating terms of #NHL/#NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Sources say Nichushkin recently failed a drug test. He missed playoff games last year after a 911 call in Seattle in which an intoxicated woman was found in his room.