Colorado Avalanche captain and franchise icon Joe Sakic confirmed that reporters that suspended forward Valeri Nichushkin is eligible to return to the team in November once his 6 month NHL suspension concludes.

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin is eligible to return to the team in November once his 6 month NHL suspension concludes. The Russian forward was suspended a ‘minimum of 6 months’ by the NHL back in May and ordered into Stage 3 of the NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program,

During the last playoffs, Valeri Nichuskin was placed (for the third time in a short period of time) on the NHL’s assistance program. At the time, we all wondered if his NHL career was over for logical reasons.

The Colorado Avalanche lost a major part of their lineup during the Stanley Cup Playoffs earlier this spring, as Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for six months and entered Stage 3 of the NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

It felt like déjà vu at media day for the Colorado Avalanche. A year ago, the most pressing questions for the Avs’ top players and coach Jared Bednar were about Valeri Nichushkin, after he left the team during its first-round playoff exit against the Seattle Kraken.

During media availabilities today, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was questioned on the return of forward Val Nichushkin and stated Nichushkin