Under the terms of the joint program, Nichushkin will be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months and then will be eligible to apply for reinstatement.
According to Adrian Dater, Nichushkin failed a test for controlled substances.
Valeri Nichushkin has been placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program -- which comes with a minimum six-month suspension without pay before he's eligible to apply for reinstatement.