Valeri Nichushkin to return to NHL assistance program

Valeri Nichushkin was the talk of the playoffs last year. History will recall that the Russian left the Avalanche’s entourage without really knowing why.

After rumors of an alcohol problem surfaced, we learned that a big party had taken place at the hotel and that a woman had been found intoxicated in the player’s room.

It caused quite a stir at the time, with many wondering what this meant for his future…

But now he’s back in the game and on fire. In 40 games, Nichushkin collected no less than 42 points, including 20 goals. He’s picked up where he left off before that.

But now we learn that the Avalanche player is back in the NHL’s assistance program. His absence would be indefinite, of course.

That’s what Adrian Dater tells X.

It’s unclear whether today’s news has anything to do with his playoff history. But since he’s making a second appearance in the assistance program, we can/should ask ourselves the question.

The good news is that, whatever the reason for his second visit to the help program, he’s going to get help. It’s the right thing to do under the circumstances.

It should be noted that the player from the Avalanche, a club that is in Montreal for tonight’s duel with the Canadiens, has been ill for the past few days and hasn’t played since January 10. At least, that’s the club’s version.

In gusto

– Canadiens: no lineup changes, except for goaltender. Jake Allen will be ex officio.

– Jonathan Drouin is in town.

– Nathan MacKinnon on his good friend.

– He loves his life.

– Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s brother signs with Mets.