Valeri Nichushkin set to return to the Avalanche in the next few months

The talented winger, currently suspended until November as part of stage three of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, is still under contract with the Avs until 2030 at $6.125 million. But with all the drama surrounding him, it's hard not to wonder if he'll ever play another game for Colorado.

Nathan MacKinnon has shared that he checks in with Nichushkin regularly, calling him at least once a week.

According to MacKinnon, the push to move on from Nichushkin came from ownership, but despite that, he also confirmed that Big Val will be back with the team eventually. The Avalanche can't terminate his contract, and they don't seem interested in trading him either. It looks like they're committed to helping him rehabilitate and get back on the ice.

Despite his ups and downs, he was a force in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which earned him a massive contract from Colorado. The hope is that he can still live up to it.

As of now, Nichushkin's suspension, announced on May 13, should end by November 13. Of course, the NHL and NHLPA still have to clear him to play again, so that might not happen right away. Before his suspension, Nichushkin was the Avs' leading scorer in the playoffs, so there's no doubt the team is better with him on the ice. But it's also the second straight postseason he was suspended, as he was booted from the 2023 first round series against the Seattle Kraken which Colorado lost in seven games.

What happens next is anyone's guess, but if he returns in form, the Avalanche will be a stronger contender with him in the lineup.