Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin has been suspended for six months without pay. The news was announced right before the team's playoff clash with Dallas on Monday. Nichushkin will enter Stage 3 of the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program, which carries an automatic six-month suspension. Losing Nichushkin is a bitter blow for Colorado. He's tied for most goals in the 2024 postseason with nine markers in eight games. Artturi Lehkonen replaced the Russian winger on the first line in Monday's Game 4.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin remained red-hot in front of goal Thursday night in Game 2 against the Stars, scoring his ninth postseason goal in a 5-3 defeat. He joined Pat LaFontaine as just the second player in league history to score in each of his team's first seven games of a postseason campaign. The Russian forward leads the goal-scoring charts with Edmonton's Zach Hyman, who has scored nine times in six games. Nichushkin's work in these playoffs includes one assist, as he sits among six Avalanche players who have averaged at least a point per game in seven contests. More success appears to be guaranteed for Nichushkin & Co., with Colorado averaging a whopping 5.00 goals per game in the playoffs.
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin notched a hat trick in Game 4 on Sunday to help steer his team to a 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. He gave his team a 2-1 lead midway through the second period before extending the lead to 4-1 with just 24 seconds left in the middle frame. The Russian would then deposit his third goal of the game into an empty net with 13 seconds to go in the contest. The veteran now has a goal in each game this series and a whopping six tallies through the first four games. Add in his two-goal game in the final regular-season contest and Nichushkin now has eight goals over his last five games. The Avalanche lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday in Winnipeg.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin is nursing a lower-body injury, making him questionable to face the Rangers on Thursday. The Russian forward might be forced to come out of the lineup after playing in eight consecutive games following a return from personal leave of absence. Nichushkin has been on fire when in the lineup, posting 26 goals and 50 points across 48 games this season. Zach Parise might move into the top six to replace Nichushkin on Thursday, which would give the veteran added fantasy value.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (personal) will rejoin the lineup on Friday versus Minnesota. He's back in action following a 22-game absence. Nichushkin last played on Jan. 10, entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program soon after. The Russian winger was having an outstanding season before dropping out of the lineup, recording 42 points (22 goals, 20 assists) in 40 games. He rejoins the action on a new-look second line, which will also feature Jonathan Drouin and newcomer Casey Mittelstadt, who was acquired from Buffalo earlier in the week. Nichushkin is also projected to skate with the second power-play unit -- 13 of his goals this season have come with the man advantage.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (personal) could return Wednesday after missing the last 19 games. Nichushkin joined the NHL player assistance program on January 10, and just started practicing with the team again last Monday. If he plays Wednesday, he will likely join the top six and first powerplay unit. The 29-year-old has 42 points (22 goals, 20 assists) in 40 games this year, and was on fire just before his extended absence. He should immediately be inserted back into fantasy lineups when he returns.
Valeri Nichushkin Cleared From Player Assistance Program
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has been cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He is now free to practice with the club moving forward but has not been clear yet for game action. The 28-year-old last appeared on Jan. 10 when he scored a pair of goals in a shutout win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Prior to departing the club, the Russian was enjoying a big season, tallying 22 goals and 42 points in 40 games. His previous career high in points was 52 set with the Avs in 2021-22 while he also posted a career-high 25 goals that season, as well. Add in his 128 shots, 55 hits, 18 penalty minutes, and plus-nine rating and Nichushkin has certainly been a valuable fantasy asset this season.
Valeri Nichushkin Enters Players Assistance Program
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has voluntarily entered the Players Assistance Program of the NHL and NHLPA. As a result, he will be unavailable to the club for an indefinite period of time. "My goal is to address my issues and prevent any negative outcomes once and for all," the veteran said as part of a statement released on Monday afternoon. Despite his off-ice issues, Nichushkin was having a nice year on the ice where he recorded 22 goals and 42 points across 40 games for Colorado, including a two-goal effort against the Vegas Golden Knights his last time out on Jan. 10. The Russian has tallied 110 goals and 263 points across 498 career regular-season games between the Avalanche and Dallas Stars.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin is feeling under the weather but could still play Saturday versus Toronto. The 28-year-old has been outstanding for Colorado all year and would be a big miss. He has notched 22 goals and 42 points in 40 appearances this season, including nine (six goals, three assists) in his past seven outings. Only Buffalo's Sam Reinhart (15) has scored more power-play goals than Nichushkin (13), and he would be in a good position to add to his tally on Saturday, with Toronto's penalty-killing efficiency at a lowly 76.8 percent.
Valeri Nichushkin Scores Two Goals In Wednesday's Win
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin registered a second consecutive multi-point outing on Wednesday when he scored two goals in a 5-1 victory over the Sabres. He had an even-strength tally in the first period and wrapped up the scoring with a power-play goal. This was a special outing for Nichushkin, as the Russian forward reached 100 career goals. 12 of his markers have come in 27 appearances this season. He's also had 13 assists as an effective part of the Avalanche top six.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (illness) will be back in the lineup Saturday against Philadelphia. He's returning from an illness that kept Nichushkin away from action for two games. Nichushkin has gone on a mini-slump with back-to-back pointless efforts, but he finished last month with a nine-game scoring streak, and it has been a successful campaign for him overall. In 24 appearances, the Russian forward has tallied 10 goals and 11 assists.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin took care of two goals as the team crushed the Ducks with an 8-2 victory Wednesday night. He made it 2-0 in the first period with an even-strength tally and scored Colorado's fifth goal of the game on the power play. Nichushkin has been on a roll in front of goal lately, lighting the lamp four times in his past four appearances. The Russian forward was on just one goal for the season before starting the streak. He's had some struggles offensively, but Artturi Lehkonen's (upper body) injury has pushed him to the top line, and Nichushkin has taken full advantage of the situation. For the season overall, Nichushkin has produced 11 points in 15 games.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin is set to rejoin the team for the start of 2023-24. The 28-year-old missed the team's final five games last season in bizarre circumstances. Nichushkin left the Avalanche ahead of Game 3 of the team's Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round matchup against Seattle after being involved in an incident where an intoxicated woman was found in his hotel room, and a team doctor had to call an ambulance to take her to the hospital. The Russian winger has enjoyed a pair of very productive campaigns in Denver and should also have a great run in the upcoming campaign as a core member of the top six.
Valeri Nichushkin Will Not Play In Game 5 Against Seattle
Valeri Nichushkin, forward for the Colorado Avalanche, will not participate in Game 5 against the Seattle Kraken for personal reasons. Nichushkin has already sat out the team's last two games for the same reason and has not provided a timeline for his return. Before his absence, the 28-year-old had recorded one goal, six shots on goal, and a minus-2 rating through two games. In the regular season, the Russian-born winger netted 17 goals and added 30 assists in 53 games.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin collected two assists as the team posted its seventh win in eight games Friday with a 3-1 scoreline against Arizona. He had a power-play helper on a Nathan MacKinnon goal and an even-strength assists when Cale Makar scored. The 28-year-old now boasts assists from four consecutive games and is sitting on a five-game point streak overall. Injuries have left their mark on Nichushkin's season, but he has been a very productive player when healthy, logging 14 goals and 27 assists in 42 appearances.
Valeri Nichushkin Amasses Three Points Against Montreal
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin went for a goal and two assists in Monday's high-scoring 8-4 win over the Canadiens, collecting two of his points in power-play situations. The Russian winger finds himself on a massive scoring run, having put up 16 points in his past 11 outings. The Avalanche will be hoping for more of the same for the rest of the season, especially after Artturi Lehkonen broke his finger on Monday. Nichushkin has had plenty of health issues himself this season and it's limited him to only 36 appearances. He has notched 35 points with 104 shots, 38 hits and a plus-11 rating.
Valeri Nichushkin Keeps Hot Streak Going With Four Points
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin had a goal and three assists in Tuesday's 6-0 win over San Jose, recording his second career four-point game. His first one came all the way back in December 2013. The 28-year-old has been kept back by health issues, but he has now picked up at least a point in each of his last eight outings and looks to be on his way to a strong finish to the season. Nichushkin skated in only his 33rd game of the season Tuesday, reaching 12 goals and 20 assists for the campaign.
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin will be a game-time decision (illness) Sunday against Seattle. The Russian winger also sat out Saturday against Dallas. Nichushkin played a vital role for Colorado in helping them win the Stanley Cup last season. Unfortunately, he has been limited to only 31 games due to injuries this year. He's logged 11 goals and 16 assists, and if he gets back to being healthy, Nichushkin will be an essential piece in helping the Avalanche get to the playoffs.
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (upper body) is healthy again and will be back in the lineup when the team continues its season on Tuesday against Pittsburgh. He has missed two games with his latest ailment. Nichushkin has struggled to stay clear of injuries and has made only 20 appearances this season, scoring eight goals and tallying 18 points. Based on practice lines, he's set to go straight back to the top line to play with Artturi Lehkonen and Nathan MacKinnon.
Valeri Nichushkin Day-To-Day With An Upper-Body Injury
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin is regarded as day-to-day with an upper-body injury and is forced to skip Thursday's matchup against Anaheim. Nichushkin can't shake off the injury bug and will be sidelined again just five games after returning from an ankle injury. He has played only 20 times this season, scoring eight goals and dishing out 10 assists. The Avalanche have freshly required Matt Nieto, and he could be thrust into a big role right away on Thursday with Nichushkin out. Denis Malgin, who will return from an upper-body injury, is another candidate to replace the Russian in the top six.
