Frei: Expecting NHL Russian players to speak up, or even suspending them, is unrealistic and unfair (+)

Valeri Nichushkin, understandably with more pressing issues on his mind as the Avalanche’s only player from Russia, will be counted on for significant contributions the rest of the regular season and in the playoffs.

He most likely will remain on the Nazem Kadri-centered second line, and he has 14 goals and 15 assists in 39 games.

Nichushkin was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia, and played one season in the KHL there before later playing two seasons with CSKA Moscow during a respite from the NHL.

But this isn’t about hockey.