Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin enters NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program

It marks the second time that Nichushkin has been away from the team in the past eight months

By Chris Bengel Jan 15, 2024 at 4:44 pm ET• 1 min read

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has entered the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program, according to a joint statement from the NHL and NHL Players Association. 

Nichushkin didn't play in Colorado's most recent game on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs and didn't appear on the ice during Monday's practice at the Bell Center in Montreal. Colorado head coach Jared Bednar stated that Nichushkin was sick prior to Saturday's game.

Valeri Nichushkin (@Avalanche) to receive care from the Player Assistance Program of the @NHL and @NHLPA.

More details: https://t.co/LsohdeU6nb pic.twitter.com/8Z0Ri2NAyf

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 15, 2024

It marks the second time that Nichushkin has been away from the team in the past eight months. Nichushkin missed the final five games of the team's opening-round playoff series against the Seattle Kraken in April for personal reasons.