DENVER – Valeri Nichushkin will play his first game this season for the Colorado Avalanche while the Washington Capitals will visit Ball Arena on Friday (9 p.m. ET; MNMT2, KTVD, ALT2, TVAS2).
The 29-year-old forward had been in Phase 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program since May 13, which meant he was suspended without pay for a minimum of six months.
“I think for ‘Val’ it’s most important that he’s in a good frame of mind, and it seems like that’s the case, and he made sure he did everything right,” said the Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar. We are very excited to have him back. It’s always great to have him in the locker room with us.
“He seems to be in a good frame of mind, and ultimately it’s his decision as a person. »
Nichushkin set NHL highs in goals (28) and points (53) in 54 games last season. His nine playoff goals tied him with Zach Hyman of the Edmonton Oilers for first in the league before he was suspended.
Forward Jonathan Drouin will also return Friday after missing 16 games with an upper-body injury. His only game of the season was the Avalanche’s opener, an 8–4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on October 9.
“It’s weird that we’re all coming back to play the same day, to be honest,” Drouin admitted. I was hoping to return to the game a week ago, or even a week and a half ago, but that wasn’t the case. I’m glad I’m ready to get back into action. »
Drouin and Nichushkin will play on the second line alongside center Casey Mittelstadt.
“I expect them to be all ready, otherwise they’re not going to get the ice time they’re used to,” warned Colorado coach Jared Bednar. “Jo” has been skating for quite a while now. He was just waiting for his body to allow him to play the way he is capable of playing. I do not consider his situation to be different from that of [Artturi Lehkonen] For example. He made an immediate impact when he returned to the game.”
Forward Miles Wood will also return to the lineup after a seven-game absence due to an upper-body injury.
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