Nathan MacKinnon addresses Valeri Nichushkin's expected reception post six-month ban

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Sep 19, 2024 05:25 GMT

In May, Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin received a six-month suspension due to issues related to off-ice circumstances.

The National Hockey League announced that he had been placed in Stage 3 of the NHL Players Assistance Program. The action followed a violation of the Stage 2 treatment plan, resulting in a suspension without pay for at least six months.

Although Nichushkin has been listed on the Avs' training camp roster, he's not eligible to participate in practices or regular-season games until mid-November. Nathan MacKinnon addressed the anticipated reception of Valeri Nichushkin by his Avs teammates on his return from a six-month ban.

MacKinnon expressed confidence in Nichushkin's ability, noting that he was performing well before his suspension and emphasizing that there's no need for further discussion regarding his return.

MacKinnon said during an interview:

"Nothing. I don't think we need to hear anything. I don't feel like I can't speak for everybody, but I mean, hopefully when he gets back, I'm sure he'll be in awesome shape, like he's out, like he always is.

"He was playing great obviously, when that happens. So yeah, I don't really need to hear anything good."

Notably, the NHL Players' Association announced Nichushkin's suspension just an hour before the Avs were up against the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of the second-round playoff series in May. The Avs went on to lose the game 5-1 and trail the series 3-1.

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"We want him to get the help": Devon Toews expresses support for Valeri Nichushkin

During the aforementioned interview, Avs defenseman Devon Toews expressed a warm sentiment from the team, emphasizing their support for Nichushkin as both a teammate and a friend.

Toews noted that the team is eager to welcome him back when he's ready (2:25 onwards):

"You know, we welcome back with open arms. He's a teammate of ours, a friend of ours, and you know, we want him to get the help he needs and to feel better about himself as a person, as a man, and then we'll welcome him into our team when he's willing and able to and, yeah, we want him to be happy, healthy, strong, and, you know, be a good person."

The Avalanche begin their training camp on Thursday, but it's still unclear when Valeri Nichushkin will return. He's currently in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

Coach Jared Bednar mentioned that the team will hold meetings to discuss how to reinstate Nichushkin back into the team when he's ready.