Valeri Nichushkin faces personal adversities but makes a strong comeback

In April 2025, Valeri Nichushkin, a player for the Colorado Avalanche, is set to face the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs. His personal and professional life has significantly improved since a tumultuous period last year when he faced a six-month suspension after entering Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Despite this suspension, Nichushkin made his season debut on November 15, 2024, against the Washington Capitals, and he has since contributed positively to the team's performance with a total of 21 goals and 13 assists, averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time. Nichushkin's successful return also draws the attention and support of his teammates and Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, who expressed pride in his progress both on and off the ice. This sentiment is echoed by Logan O’Connor, a teammate who highlighted the remarkable nature of Nichushkin’s comeback. The Avalanche has displayed a solid record when Nichushkin is in the lineup, emphasizing his value as a core player. As the Avalanche prepare to face the Stars, the playoff history between these two teams heightens anticipation for the series. This is not the first playoff encounter between them; the teams have met previously, and the Stars won a critical six-game series last season. The upcoming games will be particularly poignant for the Avalanche as they aim to advance amidst the absence of forward Gabriel Landeskog, who has been sidelined due to knee surgeries over the past three seasons. Mikko Rantanen, who previously played for the Avalanche, is now with the Stars and looking forward to competing against his former teammates after being traded. Rantanen's transition to the Stars marks a significant change for both him and the Avalanche as the playoff series approaches. The stakes are high, and both teams are eager to make an impact early in the playoffs, especially considering the Stars' historical struggles in playoff openers.