Valeri Nichushkin officially resumes his hockey career overseas
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
POLL |
Do you think the Colorado Avalanche would make a mistake by keeping Valeri Nichushkin after his suspension? |
Yes | 70 | 61.4 % |
No | 44 | 38.6 % |
List of polls |
|
15 hours ago | By James Connelly Former NHL executive suggests blockbuster three-way trade involving JT Miller |
|
16 hours ago | By James Connelly 15-year-old defenseman Jonah Neuenschwander makes hockey history at the 2025 WJC |
|
17 hours ago | By James Connelly Bruce Boudreau calls out the New York Rangers on national TV |
|
18 hours ago | By James Connelly Toronto Maple Leafs linked to Seattle Kraken veteran by ESPN analyst |
|
20 hours ago | By James Connelly Insider links the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks to a trade |
|
21 hours ago | By James Connelly Media personality officially links Connor McDavid to an American team for the 2026 free-agency |
|
22 hours ago | By James Connelly Former #1 pick shares a shocking Christmas day announcement: he is done with hockey? |
|
23 hours ago | By James Connelly The Montreal Canadiens officially announce Patrik Laine's injury fate: Habs fans conflicted |
Previously on HouseOfHockey