One more violation could cost Valeri Nichushkin his NHL career

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Cooper Godin
May 14, 2024 (9:46)

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Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin is entering the NHL Player Assistance Program for the second time in less than 12 months after the league announced the news on Monday night just ahead of Game 4 against the Stars.

With the decision by the NHL, Nichushkin will be placed in Stage 3 of the Player Assistance Program and has been suspended for a minimum of six months without pay. Once those six months are up, he'll be able to apply for reinstatement to play for the Avalanche again.

The nature of Nichushkin's absence is still a bit unclear, with some reports suggesting that he may have failed a drug test, forcing the league to put him into the program. Regardless of what he's dealing with, everyone hopes he's okay, but the patience from the league and the program might be running thin.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun shared a post on social media on Monday night that shared the steps of the NHL Player Assistance Program and once Nichushkin is reinstated by the league in six months, if he violates the the treatment plan one more time, he may not be allowed back in. Or, it'll be harder for the league to come to a decision on if they'll reinstate him or not.

To be in Stage 4 of the program, a player would have had to violated their treatment plan from Stage 3, which would then suspend them for one year without pay. If this happens, reinstatement by the National Hockey League is not assured.

"Nichushkin now in Stage 3 of the program.
A refresher of the program stages:

Stage One - First in-patient treatment; no penalty

Stage Two - For violation of Stage One treatment plan, suspension without pay during active phase of treatment and then eligible for reinstatement

Stage Three - For violation of Stage Two treatment plan, suspension without pay for at least six months and then eligible for reinstatement.

Stage Four - For violation of Stage Three treatment plan, suspension without pay for at least one year. Reinstatement not assured." LeBrun said.

This is a tough break for the Colorado Avalanche, who were relying on Nichushkin's offense big time in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. In eight games, he had ten points (nine goals, one assist).