Valeri Nichushkin Returns to the Colorado Avalanche After Mysterious Departure
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — After months of speculation and unanswered questions, forward Valeri Nichushkin finally addressed the media on Thursday, breaking his silence since his sudden departure from the Colorado Avalanche during the team’s playoff series against the Seattle Kraken in April. Speaking for less than two minutes after the opening day of training camp, Nichushkin briefly touched on his absence, stating that it was due to “family reasons” and urging reporters to move on and focus on the new season.
The circumstances surrounding Nichushkin’s departure have been shrouded in mystery. Before Game 3 of the playoff series, team physician Bradley Changstrom encountered an intoxicated woman when checking on Nichushkin at the team’s hotel in Seattle. The incident was documented in a Seattle Police Department Behavioral Crisis Report obtained by The Athletic. According to the report, Changstrom determined that the woman was too intoxicated to leave the hotel via taxi or rideshare service, prompting a call to 9-1-1. The woman was taken to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition, where she mentioned to a police officer that “some guy took her passport and that he was a bad person.” However, Nichushkin declined to comment on this matter when asked.
Changstrom is no longer working as one of the UC Health employees serving as Avalanche team physicians, as confirmed by the team. The decision for his departure from the team this season remains unclear. Nichushkin stated that his absence from the team during the playoffs was a mutual decision between himself and the Avalanche. He missed the final five games of the series, which ultimately ended in Colorado’s defeat.
After leaving the team hotel in Seattle, Nichushkin flew out of the city with a team security guard. The destination of his trip remains undisclosed. Bill Daly, the NHL deputy commissioner, stated over the summer that the league was not investigating the incident, believing that it was handled appropriately by the Avalanche.
During the offseason, Nichushkin returned to his native Russia and shared photos of himself visiting the academy for Traktor Chelyabinsk, his youth team. He also made a generous donation of 3,143,413 Russian rubles (approximately $32,700) to the academy. Additionally, Nichushkin caused a minor online stir by sharing a photo of himself carrying what appeared to be a firearm on his Instagram story. The post was brought to the attention of the team and league, but no further action was taken.
Now entering the second season of his eight-year, $49 million contract, Nichushkin is ready to put the past behind him and focus on the upcoming season. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed his support for Nichushkin, stating that he believes in him both as a player and as a person. The coach had met with Nichushkin during the offseason to ensure that he was in the right mindset for training and to discuss his experiences at the end of the previous season.
Teammates also rallied behind Nichushkin, acknowledging that his absence had affected the team during the playoffs. Defenseman Cale Makar described it as a “tough circumstance” that momentarily disrupted the team’s unity. However, they have now “turned the page” and are excited to have Nichushkin back in full force. The star defenseman praised Nichushkin’s commitment and expressed their unwavering support for him.
As the Colorado Avalanche gear up for the new season, they welcome back Valeri Nichushkin with open arms. The talented forward is determined to make a strong comeback and contribute to the team’s success. With the support of his teammates and coaches, Nichushkin is ready to put any lingering questions or doubts to rest and focus on what matters most – playing the game he loves.
(Photo of Valeri Nichushkin: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images)