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.
The Avalanche will have to do without one of their best goal scorers for the rest of the year.
