For the second year in a row, Valeri Nichushkin has had to exit the postseason while the rest of the Colorado Avalanche attempt to make it to the Stanley Cup final. Nichushkin has been suspended for at least six months and is entering stage 3 of the NHL's Player Assistance program. While his coach and teammates want what's best for him, there also seem to be some hard feelings as well. It is interesting to note that Nichushkin's nameplate has already been removed from the Avs dressing room.
Many on social media have mentioned that his teammates seem somewhat annoyed by having to go through this two years in a row. When playing at 100 percent, Nichushkin is an absolute beast on the ice, and it will be hard not to notice his absence. That said, having this happen two years in a row brings up serious and valid questions about Nichushkin's reliability as a teammate.
