A major story involving Valeri Nichushkin and the Colorado Avalanche. In the last few seconds, it was announced that Nichushkin is entering the NHL's Level 3 player assistance program.
This comes with a minimum six-month suspension, but it's currently indefinite and could be much longer.
We're talking about a suspension WITHOUT pay, so his $49 million contract could very well be over.
If he wants to play in the NHL again someday, Nichushkin will have to apply, and it's far from guaranteed that he'll be allowed to return.
Avs forward Val Nichushkin has been suspended without pay for a minimum 6 months for violating terms of #NHL/#NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Sources say Nichushkin recently failed a dr*g test. He missed playoff games last year after a 911 call in Seattle in which an intoxicated woman was found in his room. -Seravalli
According to Avs insider Adrian Dater, Val failed a Dr*g test:
