Jack Johnson shares his true feelings on the Val Nichushkin suspension

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Tyler Ball
May 14, 2024 (2:30 PM)

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Last night news broke that Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had been suspended for 6 months. After the Avalanche's game veteran defenseman Jack Johnson spoke about the suspension.

Valeri Nichushkin has been one of the most frustrating and controversial players in the NHL over the last two years. Last season he was suspended for a horrifying incident that left a woman in the hospital.

He was placed in the NHL's Player Assistance Program after this incident. Last night it was revealed he broke the terms of being in the Player Assistance Program and hence was suspended for the next 6 months.

Valeri Nichushkin has been placed in Stage 3 of the Player Assistance Program of the NHLPA and NHL.

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.

After the game, several Colorado Avalanche players were interviewed and asked about the suspension of Valeri Nichushkin. The most unfiltered answer of the night came from Jack Johnson who seemed fed up with his teammate's actions.

#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.

Now the Colorado Avalanche will be without one of their top forwards for the rest of the playoffs. As Jack Johnson mentions it is frustrating to see a person not take advantage of the help they are receiving. We hope that this time away from hockey can give Valeri Nichushkin the proper time to take care of the issues he is dealing with.

As more information becomes available on the Valeri Nichushkin situation we will pass updates along to you.