September 19th 2024.
The Avs had their media day this week, and the excitement was palpable. If their power play is anything like their positive messages, we might as well start planning a parade for June in downtown. However, there was one topic that seemed to hang over the team like a dark cloud - the absence of Val Nichushkin. The talented player's availability has been a source of frustration for the franchise, and it seems like everyone is waiting with bated breath for his return.
During the media day, coach Jared Bednar and his teammates addressed Nichushkin's suspension in Stage 3 of the player assistance program. I couldn't help but notice how rehearsed they sounded, as if they were reading off a teleprompter. When asked about Nichushkin's return, Bednar said they would welcome him back with open arms. His teammate, defenseman Devon Toews, echoed the sentiment, saying they were ready to welcome him back with their best efforts. Even star player Cale Makar chimed in, saying they needed Nichushkin back if they wanted to win the Stanley Cup - the ultimate goal for this franchise.
But I couldn't help but wonder, were they really excited for Nichushkin's return? Or were they just putting on a brave face for the media? It's no secret that the Avs are a stronger team with Nichushkin on the ice, but his absence has left a void that is hard to fill. And with no timeline for the return of captain Gabe Landeskog, who is also a one-of-a-kind player, the team is at a standstill.
If they knew that Landeskog would be back in October, scoring 10 goals in 20 games, it would be easier to move on from Nichushkin. But the problem is, they don't know what kind of player Landeskog will be when he returns. Will he still be a star, or will he struggle to find his form after a long absence? This uncertainty only adds to the Avs' dilemma.
There's no denying Nichushkin's talent. When he's on the ice, he's one of the best players in the league. And if he wasn't, the team wouldn't be so eager to welcome him back. But the reality is, he has let them down before. He missed the final five games of a playoff series after being found with an intoxicated woman in his hotel room. And in another instance, he was removed from a game just before puck drop due to his involvement in the player assistance program. These incidents have left a sour taste in the mouths of his teammates, who may not be as forgiving as they claim to be.
But the Avs are in a tough spot. They need Nichushkin if they want to win the Cup, and they can't afford to trade him due to his contract and potential off-ice issues. So they have no choice but to welcome him back with open arms. But the question remains, can they trust him? Can they rely on him to be the player they need him to be? These are uncomfortable conversations, but they are necessary if the team wants to succeed.
It's clear that the Avs value the person over the player. They want Nichushkin to be happy, healthy, and strong. But at the same time, they have to consider if he's the right fit for the team. As a fan, I can't help but feel betrayed by Nichushkin's actions. It's hard to root for someone who has let the team down multiple times. And it's even harder to imagine them winning the Cup with him on the roster.
But the Avs are determined to make it work. They are willing to forgive and move on for the sake of winning a championship. They don't have to trust Nichushkin, but they have no other choice. And as a fan, I have no choice but to trust the team's decision. Whether or not Nichushkin returns in November, I'll be rooting for the Avs and hoping that they can overcome this obstacle and bring the Stanley Cup home.
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