The Valeri Nichushkin story, as bizarre as it may be, has been making the rounds of the league in recent weeks.
Let’s recall for the record that the Russian had to leave the Avalanche in the middle of the playoffs because a lady was found in her room by a member of the organization, very, very intoxicated.
At the time, it was said that she had probably overdosed on alcohol or something had mixed into her drink, but the whole thing was still very hazy…
Until we learned that the reasons for his departure had nothing to do with the saga in question. In fact, he left the team to take some time off to heal some nasty injuries, so much so that a report came out saying that he should continue to play for the Avalanche next season.
Anyway.
Nichuskin seems to have improved since he was spotted in an alley in Moscow. His wife, Svetlana, took the photo below:
👀 #GoAvsGo Val Nichushkin sighting in Moscow.
📸 IG | lanalyuk pic.twitter.com/0lsCREh7X8– Field hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) June 8, 2023
It’s probably the Avalanche organization that must be pleased to see the player doing well.
After all, he’s a big part of the team… And let’s not forget either that the club offered him an eight-year contract valued at $49 million and that he still has seven seasons left before said contract runs out.
Things could have got complicated quite quickly for Chris MacFarland, the club’s General Manager.
All’s well that ends well, then. Good for him, good for the Avalanche… and good for the NHL’s image.
Because, in fact, the rumours that were circulating about him before the details of the story came to light were not necessarily glowing.
In gusto
– A nice addition for the Leafs.
According to information gathered by TSN, former Coyotes Shane Doan is joining the Maple Leafs staff! 🍁🏒 pic.twitter.com/gPbXN0NmXr
– RDS (@RDSca) June 8, 2023
– Did you know?
In 2014, a 16-year-old Auston Matthews joined a Coyotes offseason skate, organized by captain Shane Doan
That desert connection 🌵(@BALLYSPORTSAZ) pic.twitter.com/LT6uvjYmgi
– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 8, 2023
– I really like the quote.
Gabriel Perreault, on how he often seems forgotten when talking about the successes of the American Development Program:
“Sure, it bothers me a little. But at the same time, Leonard and Smith are my friends and I don’t feel like putting myself in competition with them.”
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) June 8, 2023
– Obviously.
Stu Cowan: Canadiens’ Kent Hughes will have tough choice at NHL Draft https://t.co/2xhe9G3Vzw pic.twitter.com/yizDnPbnaB
– Field hockey Inside/Out (@HabsIO) June 8, 2023