Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar and superstar center Nathan MacKinnon have said all the right things regarding Valeri Nichushkin’s return to the lineup.
Earlier this week, both Bednar and MacKinnon were gentlemanly when referring to Nichushkin’s potential return this season. In particular, Bednar and MacKinnon stated they would welcome Nichushkin with “open arms.”
Now, let’s be clear for a moment. Neither Bednar nor MacKinnon are being hypocritical about the situation. They’re behaving like gentlemen, showing genuine interest in welcoming Nichushkin back into the fold.
In fact, I’d say the situation is more like water under the bridge. Judging from Bednar and MacKinnon's reactions, there doesn't appear to be any hard feelings.
Of course, there may be trust issues involved on both sides. After all, the entire Nichushkin case has been quite sensitive. Nevertheless, it appears the Colorado Avalanche are willing to give Nichushkin a second chance.
In the end, doesn't everyone deserve a second chance? In Nichushkin's case, the Avs owe it to him to prove he's overcome whatever issues may have plagued him in the past. Doing so costs the team nothing, and offers a highly skilled player a shot at contributing to the best of his abilities.
Now, when could the club expect Nichushkin to return?
I can’t say that I know the answer to that question. While Nichushkin is eligible to return in mid-November, he would most likely need time to get readjusted to the game. Since he wouldn't have the opportunity to skate in training camp, Nichushkin may need some more time before he can hit the ice for the Avs this season.
In the worst-case scenario, it might be several weeks before Nichushkin may be finally ready to hit the ice. If that's the case, the Avs could expect Nichushkin to be in the lineup around Christmas, perhaps even past the New Year.
There’s only one way to find out. The Colorado Avalanche need to wait for Nichushkin to be ready and ease him back into game action. There's no sense in rushing him back. If they do, the Avs risk setting Nichushkin up to fail. Needless to say, that's the last thing on everyone's minds.
The Colorado Avalanche cannot afford to move on from Valeri Nichushkin
Let’s assume for a moment the Avs decide to move on from Nichushkin. While that could be an alternative, it's one the club cannot afford to consider. Trading or waiving Nichushkin could prove a costly mistake for Colorado.
If the Avs trade or waive Nichushkin, another team can come and sign him. In that situation, Nichushkin could feel motivated to prove he's still a star player. That move could easily backfire on Colorado.
Let’s consider the complicated part: The Avs risk losing a talented player, one who could contribute to the club's success in the second half of the season, for virtually nothing. Meanwhile, another club could reap the benefits of having Nichushkin's talents on their roster.
Unless the Avs have lost their minds, which hardly seems the case, the best case scenario is to ease Nichushkin back into the lineup. Think about it this way: It's like getting a trade deadline addition, but without the cost of trading players or draft picks to get him.
Despite the impending cap crunch the team would face, having Nichushkin back into the lineup makes total sense for the Avs. They get a goal scorer who could easily fit into the top six. Moreover, the team gets a motivated player, looking to prove he's still every bit as valuable as before he was suspended.
Of course, there’s always the risk that Nichushkin doesn't quite live up to expectations. Unfortunately, that’s a chance the Avs will need to take.
Overall, it would be ludicrous for the Colorado Avalanche to give up on Nichushkin now. Players and coaches have publicly expressed their desire for his return. So, fans can expect one of the league's most talented players hitting the ice with a little extra juice.