Avs' Valeri Nichushkin cleared to return to practice

Field Level Media|published: Mon 26th February, 12:58 2024

Jan 8, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) celebrates after the game against the Boston Bruins at Ball Arena. credits: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was cleared Monday to resume practicing with the team, the NHL and players association announced.

Nichushkin has entered the "follow-up care" phase of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He has not been cleared to return to game action.

Nichushkin, 28, has been away from the team since entering the player assistance program on Jan. 15. He scored 42 points (22 goals, 20 assists) in 40 games prior to that date.

The Russia native has 263 points (110 goals, 153 assists) in 498 career games with the Dallas Stars (2013-19) and the Avalanche. Dallas drafted him 10th overall in 2013 and he won the 2022 Stanley Cup with Colorado.

—Field Level Media