Colorado Expects Nichushkin to Return by Mid-November

Joe Sakic, the Colorado Avalanche's executive for hockey operations, revealed on the AltitudeSR show that the club expects Russian forward Valeri Nichushkin to return in November.

During the 2025 NHL playoffs, Nichushkin was suspended for six months and moved to the third stage of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. This marks the second playoff the Russian player has had to miss due to personal circumstances. 

On May 23, the club's general manager, Chris MacFarland, announced that Colorado has no intention of terminating Nichushkin's contract.