Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin will miss the remainder of the NHL playoffs!

Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has been placed on Stage 3 of the NHL Player Assistance Program, and has been suspended for six months without pay, and will have to apply to be reinstated into the league.

Nichushkin, 29, will therefore miss the remainder of the playoffs and be out until at least November 13th.

He had nine goals, 10 points through eight games with Colorado in the postseason this year.