Valeri Nichushkin talked about the work he has done while being suspended for six months and being placed in Stage 3 of the NHL-NHLPA player assistance program.

Nichushkin recently returned to the team after being placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program six months ago.

Suspended Colorado forward Valeri Nichushkin was added to the Avalanche's active roster and will make his season debut Friday night against Washington.

The day for Valeri Nichushkin’s return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup is here. Nichushkin, who has been suspended for the past six months while in Stage 3 of the player assistance program, is expected to be added to the active roster Friday and make his season debut against the Washington Capitals at Ball Arena.

DENVER -- Valeri Nichushkin made his season debut for the Colorado Avalanche in a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals at Ball Arena on Friday. The 29-year-old forward had been in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program since May 13, which included being suspended without pay for a minimum of six months.

He is a bit of a unicorn. At 10:32 a.m. Friday, Nichushkin lined up with the Avs’ second power play unit at practice, working like a shark with no wasted movement before rapping the puck into the net with a magician’s hands.

Valeri Nichushkin who is still serving his 6-month suspension could return to the Avalanche lineup by November 15th.

Valeri Nichushkin made his 2024-25 season debut on Friday night after spending six months in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player’s Assistance Program. And although it was a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals at Ball Arena,