Valeri Nichushkin Set To Return To The NHL On The 15th Of November

After being banned from playing in the NHL for 6 months due to failing a drug test in May 2024, Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has cleared the NHL player assistance program and will return to the ice for the Avs on November 15th against the Capitals. Nichushkin has not played a game in the NHL since game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and after completing his time in the NHL’s player assistance program and a 6 month without pay ban, he will finally be back in action for a struggling Avalanche team. It's obvious the absence of Nichushkin has been a big blow for Colorado recently with a tough start to the season, and mass injury problems on the offence, Nichushkins presence will be a big boost for the team coming into a vital part of the season. 

With forward Artturi Lehkonen also returning to the lineup soon after injury, the Avalanches hopes at being cup contenders have reignited massively with dangerous forwards creeping their way back into the lineup. But in particular Nichushkin's heavy checking ability and hard shots on goal will cause problems for other teams, and has been two key aspects that have been missing on the ice fort Colorado for the past few months, and Nichushkin's two way mentality on the ice will get him back to his, and Colorado's best in no time.