The return of suspended Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin to practice Monday was sudden enough that teammate Mikko Rantanen did a little double-take when he spotted him on

For now, it’s practice only for Valeri Nichushkin, who remains in Stage 3 of the player assistance program and ineligible to play in games.

The return of suspended Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin to practice Monday was sudden enough that teammate Mikko Rantanen did a little double-take when he spotted him on the ice. Rantanen recovered with an ice breaker.

Valeri Nichushkin practiced with the Colorado Avalanche for the first time since he was removed from the team on May 13 and placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.