Valeri Nichushkin officially resumes his hockey career overseas

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Julien Trekker
June 5, 2024 (12:17)

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Valeri Nichushkin is officially set to resume his hockey career overseas, according to a new report.

The controversial Colorado Avalanche player, currently suspended in the NHL, left North America and will play in the Media Hockey League; a summer league, alongside other NHLers and celebrities.

"Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin will participate in the second season of the Hockey Media League. This was announced to TASS by Nikolai Osipov, President of the Media League, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

"The second season of the league will start on July 6 and will end on August 31," said Osipov. "The matches will take place in Moscow, but we plan to hold some games in other regions. Among NHL players, it is certain that Valeri Nichushkin will play."

Nichushkin is serving a six-month suspension that is set to end next November. During the NHL playoffs, the player failed a drug test and joined the third phase of the Player Assistance Program.

After playing a key role against the Winnipeg Jets in the first round and a great start against the Dallas Stars in the second round, where he tallied 10 points in eight games, he was forced to abandon his team, which was eventually eliminated by the Stars.

The Avs management already mentionned that they plan on keeping him after his suspension despite the incident.

"It is very plausible he'll be back with the Avalanche"

- Chris MacFarland on Val Nichushkin

However, the trust will need to be rebuilt between the player and his fans, teammates, coaches and managers:

"MacFarland said it's going to be up to Nichushkin to rebuild trust with the organization.

"We've looked at all options, like we always do, and the obvious question is termination, right? And that's not an option."

Source: Hockey Latest - Nichushkin signs new contract to play hockey