November 16th 2024.
On Friday night at Ball Arena, the crowd was in a lively mood as they welcomed back Valeri Nichushkin with open arms. They cheered, clapped, and even chanted his nickname, "Choo!", when he took the ice just one minute into the game. While there may be some skepticism surrounding the "open arms" sentiment from the Avalanche organization and Nichushkin's teammates, there was no doubt that the fans were happy to have him back in their midst.
The positive energy from the fans seemed to have a tangible effect on the ice as the Avalanche scored just two minutes into the game against the Washington Capitals. It was a surreal moment, considering all that has transpired with Nichushkin in recent years. It's hard to believe that we are here again, with Nichushkin back on the team after serving a six-month suspension for violating the protocols of Stage 3 of the NHL player assistance program.
The risk involved in bringing him back is clear. Nichushkin's past two playoff runs have been marred by controversy, with him being sent home during the first round in 2023 and being banned just before Game 4 of the second round in 2024. However, the Avs are in a tough spot with captain Gabe Landeskog still out due to injury, so they need Nichushkin's skills on the ice. He has been a key player for the team, despite the odds suggesting that he may let them down again. It's a tough situation, as nobody wants to see Nichushkin disappoint the team once again, but it's hard not to think about it.
At 29 years old, Nichushkin deserves another chance to be defined by something other than off-ice issues. But the question remains, did it have to be with the Avs? They gave him a chance after the debacle in Seattle, but he still managed to make a costly mistake at a crucial moment. However, it's understandable that the fans are rooting for him, as they want nothing more than to see their team win another Stanley Cup. And with Nichushkin on the ice, the Avs have a much better record, showing just how important he is to the team's success.
Nathan MacKinnon, the Avs' star player, had no hesitation in welcoming Nichushkin back into the fold after his two weeks of practice. MacKinnon has always been focused on winning and putting the team first, so it's no surprise that he is happy to have Nichushkin back. However, not everyone on the team has the same level of camaraderie with Nichushkin. Fellow teammate Mikko Rantanen was quite blunt in his assessment, stating that they simply need him on the team to have success. It's clear that there is a bit of a divide when it comes to Nichushkin's return.
There is a lot of nuance when it comes to Nichushkin's situation. It's possible to feel empathy for him while also holding him accountable for his actions. When Sam Girard entered the player assistance program, his honesty and vulnerability made us feel sad for him. But when Nichushkin entered for the third time, it evoked more anger than sympathy. It's not fair to judge him based solely on his on-ice performance, but it's hard not to when his actions have had such a significant impact on the team.
Nichushkin is a unique player, with a rare combination of size, speed, and skill. He is a valuable asset to the team, and coach Jared Bednar has high praise for him, calling him "exceptional" and "rare". However, with his return, there are still some doubts and concerns. There was an expectation for Nichushkin to address the media after the morning skate, to show contrition and acknowledge his mistakes. But he chose to avoid the press, leaving his teammates to answer questions about him. It's a frustrating situation, as it's not fair to put the burden on his teammates to speak for him.
Despite all the positive sentiments from fans and teammates, the ultimate judgment of Nichushkin's return will come down to his performance on the ice. The Avs have given him another chance, and it's now up to him to prove that he can be a reliable and valuable player for the team. The length of his contract may provide some protection for the team, but it's clear that they have a lot riding on Nichushkin's success. It's a strange and uncomfortable situation, but the Avs are hoping that it will all be worth it in the end.
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