Avalanche winger suspended 6 months in the middle of a playoff run
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin has been suspended for 6 months, right in the middle of the Avs' current playoff run.
The timing for this suspension couldn't be worse for Nichushkin and the Avalnche, who are down 2-1 in their 2nd round series against the Dallas Stars ahead of tonight's Game 4.
What was the reason for Nichushkin's suspension?
Nichushkin's suspension was a mandatory penalty for entering Stage 3 of the Player Assistance Program. According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, Nichushkin is believed to have failed a drug test. Elliotte Friedman confirmed the report during intermission of tonight's Rangers/Hurricanes game.
Per TSN's Chris Johnston, as a result of his placement in the program, Nichushkin will be suspended without pay for the next 6 months and will be able to apply for re-instatement following the 6 month ban.
A massive loss for the Avalanche, as Nichushkin already has 10 points in 8 games in these playoffs.
This is the 2nd time in the last two seasons that Nichushkin has been involved in the program.
| POLL | ||
MAI 13 | 706 ANSWERS Avalanche winger suspended 6 months in the middle of a playoff run Do you think the Avalanche will look to move on from Valeri Nichushkin once his suspension is over? | ||
| Yes | 559 | 79.2 % |
| No | 147 | 20.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
