The Colorado Avalanche have received brutal news today as Valeri Nichuskin has been placed in the player's assistance program. He now faces a six-month suspension from the NHL, effective immediately. The announcement came just hours before puck drop for the Avalanche-Stars game tonight. The Stars currently have a 2-1 lead in the series, and this news will only give them a better shot at advancing to the Western conference final. <q>Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin placed in Stage 3 of NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/PR_NHL/status/1790178330106585408'> </a></blockquote></div> However, the much bigger concern is Nichushkin's health. This is not the first time he has spent time in the Player's Assistance Program. This is exactly why he has gone straight to stage three of the program. This means that he will be suspended a minimum of six months without pay. <q>Valeri Nichushkin has been placed in stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Nichushkin will be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months and then will be eligible to apply for reinstatement, per the terms of the program</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1790178487111647416'> </a></blockquote></div> NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared a post explaining the differences in the tiers of the program. Should Nichuskin find himself in the program again after this, he would go to stage four, coming with a year-long suspension. Furthermore, he could be banned from the league for life. <q>These are the various stages of the program</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1790186253453017368'> </a></blockquote></div> Hopefully Nichushkin can take the time he needs to get better. Until then, the Avalanche will just have to go one without him.