Valeri Nitšuškin signed up for the NHL’s treatment program in mid-January.
Colorado Avalanche Russian forward Valery Nitshuškin has been able to return to his team’s training strength after participating in the treatment program, the NHL announced on their website. There is no game license yet.
Nitsuškin played the last time on January 10.
Nitšuškin shrugged last spring by staying out of his team’s activities during the playoff series. The Avalanche’s season ended with a surprise loss in the opening round to the Seattle Kraken with a 3–4 victory.
Nitsuškin is a key player in the Avalanche offense: 40 games, 42 (22+20) points. He will make $7.5 million this season.
The Avalanche are fourth in the Western Conference. Finns play in the team Justus Annunen, Joel Kiviranta, Artturi Lehkonen and Mikko Rantanen.
Valeri Nitšuškin is playing his fifth season with the Colorado Avalanche. AOP / USA TODAY Sports