Colorado Avalanche finally address Valeri Nichuskin's future
The Colorado Avalanche finally addressed Valeri Nichushkin's future with the team in his end-of-season press conference.
Nichushkin's tally of 10 points in nine games during the playoffs made him one of the most important player on the Avs roster. Unfortunately, he couldn't help his team when it need him the most, after he failed a drug test and had to go back in the NHL's Player Assistance Program.
This led to many rumors about Nichushkin's future in Colorado and the NHL.
Chris MacFarland, general manager of the Avalanche, talked about what would happen to the player going forward.
Says rebuilding that trust will be difficult."
"We've got to look at all options. At this time, Priority 1 is for Val to get the help he needs."
"It's very plausible that he will be back with the Avalanche."
Buying out his contract doesn't seem like a strategic move to do for the Avs, who'll lose a lot of cap space if they go in that direction. As MacFarland said, terminating his contract isn't an option. That leaves them the option of trading him, probably not for an interesting return, or keeping him.
Nichushkin's suspension ends in November. By then, he should be able to rebuild the team's trust, but he'll need to take concrete actions to redeem himself.
Source: Markerzone - Colorado Avalanche GM confirms Nichushkin's future in the NHL
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Do you think the Colorado Avalanche should get rid of Valeri Nichushkin at all costs? | ||
| Yes | 329 | 76.3 % |
| No | 102 | 23.7 % |
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