Coach Jared Bednar admits Avalanche ‘excited’ to have forward Valeri Nichushkin back following 6-month suspension
Colorado Avalanche will have one of their quality forwards Valeri Nichushkin back in the team soon as his six-month suspension comes to an end.
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Jared Bednar (L) and Valeri Nichushkin (R) [Image via Altitude Sports/theScore]
As the Colorado Avalanche continues to struggle in the 2024-25 season, they will soon have one of their forwards back in the team. On Monday, head coach Jared Bednar informed that Valeri Nichushkin will be available for team selection once his six-month suspension comes to an end.
The 29-year-old forward has been dealing with some personal issues lately. In January this year, he entered the NHL/NHLPA assistance program and was ruled out indefinitely. Though he did come back and play again, he was suspended for breaking the terms of the program and has been in Stage 3 since May.
The Russian international scored 28 goals and picked up 26 assists last season. In the 2023-24 Stanley Cup playoffs, the forward was in red-hot form and scored nine goals while picking up one assist in eight games. Coach Bednar is happy to have such a quality player back on the team.
It’s good, it’s great. Need all the help we can get, so add in a quality player like Val back, even if it’s just for practice, then we know when he gets cleared to join the team then he’ll be ready to go. I talked to a handful of guys. I mean, they know how much we need him. They know what he means to our team, and they’re excited to have him back.
Jared Bednar said as per Ryan Boulding of NHL.com
Miles Wood has been placed on Injured Reserve (retroactive to October 28).
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 4, 2024
Ivan Ivan, Nikolai Kovalenko and Nikita Prishchepov have been recalled from the Colorado Eagles.
Valeri Nichushkin has been cleared to practice with the team. He remains in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHL… pic.twitter.com/tJZeVUupiv
Earlier this year, Bednar claimed that the team would welcome him back with “open arms” once his suspension came to an end. The head coach believed that he (Nichushkin) would probably have something to say to his squad and that there has to be “some forgiveness” regarding this whole situation.
Bednar says that the team will welcome Val Nichushkin back “with open arms”
— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) September 18, 2024
And says that he thinks Val has some things he probably wants to say to the group, and that “there has to be some forgiveness” with the whole situation.
Valeri Nichushkin spotted taking part in Avalanche training session
Following coach Jared Bednar’s announcement regarding Valeri Nichushkin’s return, the forward was spotted hitting the ice field for the first time since his suspension. He was seen taking part in a shooting drill.
In a post shared on X by Guerilla Sports’ Jesse Montano, the 29-year-old could be seen entering the field and skating near the center. He would later pick up a puck with his stick, skate towards the goal, and fire a shot into an open net.
Val Nichushkin hits the ice for Avalanche practice. pic.twitter.com/rHO3vHYxEd
— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) November 4, 2024
Further reports suggest that Nichushkin could be back on the team on November 15. On that day, the Avalanche will take on the Washington Capitals at the Ball Arena.
Will Nichushkin’s addition back to the squad help the Avs turn the tide around, it remains to be seen. Before they have him back, the Avs who are currently 5-7-0 in their first twelve games, have lost three games on the bounce. They will look to snap this losing run on Tuesday night when they take on the Seattle Kraken.
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Vinay Dave
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