Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin enters NHL/NHLPA assistance program

Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) answers questions after training camp at the Family Sports Center in Centennial September 21, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)MONTREAL — Valeri Nichushkin has entered the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program, the league and players association announced in a joint statement Monday.

Nichushkin did not play for the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs and was not on the ice Monday morning at Bell Centre. Avs coach Jared Bednar said he was under the weather before the game in Toronto.

This is the second time Nichushkin has left the team in the past eight months. He missed the final five games of a…