Valeri Nichushkin is entering the NHL Player Assistance Program and will be out for an indefinite period, it was announced on Monday.
Working in conjunction with the NHL Players’ Association, the release by the NHL also states that Nichushkin will need to be cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators before returning to the team.
Nichushkin released the following statement via the Avalanche organization after the news was announced:
“I have made the decision to seek help and enter the Players Assistance Program. My goal is to address my issues and prevent any negative outcomes once and for all. I want to thank my wife and family, my friends, the Avalanche organization and all of our fans for their understanding and support. I will do everything I can to get back on the ice and join my teammates as soon as possible.”
Nichushkin last appeared in a game on Wednesday, where he scored two goals to help the Avs shut out the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights 3-0. He missed Saturday’s game in Toronto with an illness before the news was announced Monday afternoon.
Head coach Jared Bednar did not have an update for reporters in Montreal following this morning’s skate. He said the team would release something on Nichushkin later in the day.
Nichushkin is in the midst of another great season with Colorado — easily his best in the NHL through the first half of the year. He is second in the NHL with 13 power-play goals and has 22 goals, 20 assists and 42 points in 40 games.
