The Colorado Avalanche are attempting to tie their series against the Dallas Stars tonight 2-2. However, they will be without Valeri Nichuskin as he has entered the NHL player's assistance program.
Denver Post reporter Adrian Dater was the first to report the news, he has stated that he believes the Avalanche forward failed some kind of drug test, but could not be any more specific than that.
I'm hearing Nichushkin failed a drug test. But I have no idea what the «drugs» are
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Clearly, whatever test he failed, it was a big one, as it has resulted in Nichuskin being put back in the Player's assistance program. This is not his first time with the program, possibly why he has gone straight to stage three. The significance of this is that he now faces a minimum 6-month suspension from the NHL.
Valeri Nichushkin has been placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program -- which comes with a minimum six-month suspension without pay before he's eligible to apply for reinstatement.
Nichuskin had 9 goals in 8 playoff games for the Avalanche, leading the team. His loss will be a tough one to overcome as the Stars were already the deeper team up front. Without Nichushkin, this series could get away from Colorado very quickly.
| POLL | ||
13 MAI | 400 ANSWERS Valeri Nichuskin facing six-month suspension after failed drug test Do you think Valeri Nichushkin will play in the NHL again after this? | ||
| Yes | 132 | 33 % |
| No | 268 | 67 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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