The Colorado Avalanche veteran Jack Johnson reacted to Valeri Nichushkin's suspension amid a tough series against the Vancouver Canucks.
Nichushkin, with 9 goals and 1 assist in 8 playoff games, has been playing a key role in the Avs' success against the Jets and in the first few games against the Stars. Unfortunately for Colorado, he won't be able to help them win anymore.
He reportedly failed a drug test during an intermission, which could explain why he was so much better than usual... As a punishment, he was suspended six months by the NHL.
"#Avs forward Val Nichushkin has been suspended without pay for a minimum 6 months for violating terms of #NHL/#NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Sources say Nichushkin recently failed a drug test. He missed playoff games last year after a 911 call in Seattle in which an intoxicated woman was found in his room."
After last night's tough 5-1 loss in game 4 against the Dallas Stars, players were asked to open up about Nichushkin's situation.
The respected veteran Jack Johnson shared his thoughts, saying that Nichushkin made his own decision:
"#Avs Jack Johnson on Val Nichushkin:
«He made his decisions. That's all I'm going to say on that. He made his decisions.»
Nichushkin's nameplate has already been replaced in the Avs locker room."
What he means by that is that Nichushkin's decision hurts the team, but the player decided to to it anyway. We can guess it's making a lot of people unhappy in Colorado, as his nameplate was already removed in their locker room.
Do you think Valeri Nichushkin played his last game with the Colorado Avalanche?
