Colorado Avalanche make a major announcement about Valeri Nichushkin's immediate future
The Colorado Avalanche have announced a critical update on key forward Valeri Nishushkin's future with the team who has been in the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program for the past few months.
The Colorado Avalanche are having a rough start this season with a 1-4-0 record in their first five games. However after a win against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night there's hope that the team is turning a corner. Unfortunately key players like Gabriel Landeskog, Jonathan Drouin & Artturi Lehkonen are still sidelined with no clear return date.
In better news Valeri Nichushkin who has been in the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program has been cleared to start skating on his own. While he's still in the final phase of the program, this is a positive step towards his return.
Nichushkin has faced challenges over the past two years, but teammates like Nathan MacKinnon and coach Jared Bednar have expressed their full support, saying they're eager to welcome him back. At 29, Nichushkin has been one of the team's top performers, posting 52, 47, and 53 points in his last three seasons, despite missing games due to injury.
Though there's no set date for his return the Avalanche are proving they can compete. If Nichushkin rejoins the lineup soon it could provide a huge boost as they wait for their other injured players to recover, giving their Stanley Cup hopes a major lift.
Stay tuned for more updates.
