Valeri Nichushkin talked about the work he has done while being suspended for six months and being placed in Stage 3 of the NHL-NHLPA player assistance program.

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had been in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Follow this tracker for the latest NHL news.

In the much-hyped return to the ice of Valeri Nichushkin, the Avs’ wayward son contributed exactly the same thing to the team as he did during a six-month suspension:

The day for Valeri Nichushkin’s return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup is here. Nichushkin, who has been suspended for the past six months while in Stage 3 of the player assistance program, is expected to be added to the active roster Friday and make his season debut against the Washington Capitals at Ball Arena.