Speculation Mounting Over Valeri Nichushkin's Mysterious Absence

A very strange situation is developing with the defending Stanley Cup Champions, and many are speculating over exactly what's going on.

Before game three between the Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken, it was announced that the Avs' Valeri Nichushkin, one of the team's best players, would not be suiting up.

Not only that, but there was no explanation on why and no word on when he might be back. Since then, the mystery has deepened.

According to Drew Livingstone, Nichushkin left the hotel in Seattle with a full security team and headed to the airport. Neither Colorado nor his agent will comment on what's going on.

No one knows whether Nichushkin went back to Denver, home to Russia, or anything else. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar did tell media Nichushkin's absence is not due to disciplinary reasons, but declined to comment further.

Given what's been going on in Nichushkin's home country, it's difficult not be to at least a little worried for his well-being. Hopefully someone will clear up this situation soon.

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