Avalanche defenseman throws some heavy shade at teammate Nichushkin

For those who missed yesterday's shocking announcement, Avalanche winger Val Nichushkin was suspended 6 months for violating the NHL's substance abuse policy, landing him back in the NHL's Player Assistance Program.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirmed on Monday that Nichushkin's placement in the program was due to a failed drug test.

For obvious reasons, Nichushkin has not been made available for comment on the situation. However, it didn't stop one of his teammates from throwing some heavy shade at him following the Avs' Game 4 loss to Dallas.

Avs defenseman Jack Johnson was less than impressed with Nichushkin's actions. While he kept his comments on Nichushkin short, they were very pointed and it was easy to sense the frustration in the room.

Nichushkin had 10 points in 8 playoff games for the Avs at the time of his suspension. Talk about leaving your team in a jam.

At any rate, with his nameplate gone from the locker room, it now seems like just a matter of time before the Stanley Cup champion is traded or has his contract terminated.