The Colorado Avalanche say suspended forward Valeri Nichushkin has been cleared to begin practicing with the team.

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.

Suspended Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has taken the next step toward his return to action for the first time since May.

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

Valeri Nichushkin is officially back with the Avalanche. The 29-year-old forward was cleared to join the team for practice on Monday after skating on his own for several weeks at the team’s practice facility.

Valeri Nichushkin is one step closer to returning for the Colorado Avalanche. Nichushkin was cleared to practice Monday with the Avs and was on the ice with the team at Family Sports Center. He remains in Stage 3 of the NHL-NHLPA Player Assistance program and isn’t eligible to apply for full reinstatement until the middle of this month.

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.