Nichushkin was suspended for six months in May and has been cleared to practice with the Avalanche as he approaches eligibility for reinstatement. Off-ice issues aside, Nichushkin has been dynamite in his last three seasons with the Avalanche, scoring 152 points (70G / 82A) in 169 games, and will provide an offensive boost to an injury-depleted team upon his return to the lineup.

Under the terms of the joint program, Nichushkin will be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months and then will be eligible to apply for reinstatement.

Nichuskin started skating in Denver this week and will return to the lineup on Friday against the Edmonton Oilers. The 29-year-old is having a sensational year despite missing part of the season due to personal reasons, with his 26 goals and 50 points in 48 games played.

Nichuskin started skating in Denver this week and will attempt to return to the lineup on Friday against the Edmonton Oilers. The 29-year-old is having a sensational year despite missing part of the season due to personal reasons, with his 26 goals and 50 points in 48 games played.

Nichuskin started skating in Denver this week and will attempt to return to the lineup on Friday against the Edmonton Oilers. The 29-year-old is having a sensational year despite missing part of the season due to personal reasons, with his 26 goals and 50 points in 48 games played.

Nichuskin will start skating in Denver this week in an attempt to meet with the rest of the team on their three-game road trip after missing Saturday's content due to a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old is having a sensational year despite missing part of the season due to personal reasons, with his 26 goals and 50 points in 48 games played.

Nichuskin will start skating in Denver this week in an attempt to meet with the rest of the team on their three-game road trip after missing Saturday's content due to a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old is having a sensational year despite missing part of the season due to personal reasons, with his 26 goals and 50 points in 48 games played.

Nichushkin will not play on Thursday due to a lower-body injury, his first time exiting the lineup since returning from the NHL Player's Assistance Program. The 29-year-old Nichushkin hasn't missed a beat, scoring eight points (4G / 4A) in his last eight games but has been held off the scoresheet in two straight.

Nichushkin has not played since January 10th before entering the NHL's Player Assistance program. He has missed 20 games and, after returning to practice last week, is ready to rejoin the Avalanche on Friday. Before his absence, Nichushkin scored at a torrid pace with 21 points (19G / 9A) in his last 15 games.

Nichushkin has not played since January 10th before entering the NHL's Player Assistance program. He has missed 19 games and, after returning to practice last week, appears ready to rejoin the Avalanche on Friday but has stated he is still undecided on his return. Before his absence, Nichushkin was scoring at a torrid pace with 21 points (19G / 9A) in his last 15 games.

Nichushkin has not played since January 10th before entering the NHL's Player Assistance program. He has missed 19 games and, after returning to practice last week, appears ready to rejoin the Avalanche on Wednesday but has stated he is still undecided on his return. Before his absence, Nichushkin was scoring at a torrid pace with 21 points (19G / 9A) in his last 15 games.

Nichushkin has not played since January 10th before entering the NHL's Player Assistance program. He has missed 18 games and, despite returning to practice last week, will miss at least one more as he reacclimates to the team and conditioning. Before his absence, Nichushkin was scoring at a torrid pace with 21 points (19G / 9A) in his last 15 games.

Nichushkin has not played since January 10th before entering the NHL's Player Assistance program. He has missed 17 games and, despite returning to practice on Monday, will miss at least two more as he reaclimates to the team. Before his absence, Nichushkin was scoring at a torrid pace with 21 points (19G / 9A) in his last 15 games.

Nichuskin is battling an illness and will not play on Tuesday. The Avalanche, already without Cale Makar, will be hurting without the offensive talents of Nichushkin, who has been tremendous lately, posting 13 points (8G / 5A) in his last 11 games playing predominantly on the top line and top powerplay unit.

Nichuskin is battling an illness but is hopeful to play on Tuesday. The Avalanche, already without Cale Makar, can ill afford to lose the offensive talents of Nichushkin, who has been tremendous lately, posting 13 points (8G / 5A) in his last 11 games playing predominantly on the top line and top powerplay unit.

Nichuskin has missed the Avalanche's previous two games due to a personal matter and has already been out for Game 5 in Colorado as he is considered out indefinitely. The 28-year-old had a goal, Six SOG, and a -2 plus/minus through 2 games prior to his unexpected absence.