The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Player’s Association (NHLPA) announced that Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has been entered into Stage 3 of the Players Assistance Program. The pair league and its player’s union confirmed some rumors that had been swirling about three hours prior to the game regarding his availability for Colorado. Nichushkin would be eligible to apply for re-installment to the NHL in November 2024.
Rumors Confirmed by TSN’s Elliotte Friedman
TSN’s Elliotte Friedman, one of the foremost authorities on hockey matters for TSN in Canada, confirmed the report with his Twitter/X posting only a few hours before Game 4 is scheduled to take place in Denver, Colorado.
Valeri Nichushkin is gone from the Colorado Avalanche for the rest of the 2024 NHL Playoffs.
Impact on Colorado Avalanche Moving Forward?
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This is a significant loss for Colorado’s forward group. In Game Three, Colorado struggled mightly to produce offense as they mustered just one goal against Jake Oettinger and the Dallas Stars. Now, heading into a critical Game Four, they will step onto the frozen floor without their leading playoff scorer.
Valeri Nichushkin leads all Colorado Avalanche players with 9 goals scored in the 2024 NHL Playoffs. He will finish with that total as his postseason is now complete. Additionally, Nichushkin’s absence should significantly impact the Avalanche special teams plans as the forward was a staple on Power Play #1.
More pressure falls on stars Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen to carry the load if the Colorado Avalanche have any hopes of reaching the Western Conference Finals this year. The top-line forward duo for Colorado are tied with 12 points each. Joining them on top of the mountain is defenseman Cale Makar.
Incoming Help for Avalanche in Game Four?
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Earlier today, some positive rumblings that Colorado Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin would make his first appearance in the postseason in Game Four started to appear online. With Nichushkin now unavailable to be included in the Avalanche lineup, Colorado would gladly welcome back the 56-point scorer with open arms.
Friedman confirmed that Drouin is taking warmups for Colorado.
Colorado will attempt to even up the series 2-2 this evening when they battle the Dallas Stars in Game Four of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
About The Author
Christopher Babos is a genuine sports & entertainment journalist with diverse credentials in writing, broadcasting, and digital media. With a varied professional background that includes an M.B.A. in Sports Management from Tiffin University, Chris can speak with authority on the subject matters that he covers. Additional insightful sports articles can be located here.
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