HC Jared Bednar estimates a 'very good possibility' of when Valeri Nichushkin can rejoin Avs squad

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Nov 01, 2024 05:59 GMT

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar is hopeful about Valeri Nichushkin’s return. In an interview following Thursday's practice, Bednar said that if Nichushkin receives clearance, he could rejoin team practices by mid-November.

Although a specific date has yet to be set, Nichushkin has stayed in shape by skating independently, the coach said.

"He has been skating the whole time. He skated again this morning. [He's] not allowed to be around like our guys yet. And we're hoping that day is coming quick. So I don't know exactly what the date is going to be just yet, but we're hoping it's like, early this month," Bednar said. (7:22 mark)

Bednar also noted that Nichushkin feels prepared to play as soon as he receives final clearance.

"So that would put him ready, like, if he can join our team and start practicing early this month, which sounds like that's a very good possibility, then, we're in our heads, we're like, waiting for the 15th or 13th, or whatever date they give us, somewhere in that range that he can play, and from talking with Val, he feels like there's no problem," he added.

Bednar reiterated the team’s support for Valeri Nichushkin, echoing last month’s comments about welcoming him back. For now, Bednar and the Avalanche are waiting for mid-November, hoping Nichushkin’s return will bolster their lineup soon.

Details about Valeri Nichushkin's suspension and controversy

Valeri Nichushkin has been suspended since May following a failed drug test and entered Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. With his six-month suspension without pay nearing its end, he can soon apply for reinstatement, potentially aligning with Bednar’s expected timeline for his return.

Nichushkin’s year has been tough as he missed games last season after an incident in Seattle involving an intoxicated woman in his hotel room, which led him to enter the assistance program.

After missing 21 games, he returned in March. Despite these challenges, Nichushkin had a strong 2023-24 season, scoring a career-high 28 goals and 53 points in 54 games. In the playoffs, he added nine goals and 10 points in 10 games before his suspension.

Valeri Nichushkin is in the third year of an eight-year contract with Colorado with an average annual value of $6.125 million. He was originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2013 but faced early struggles and spent two years in the KHL before finding success with the Avalanche.