Avs' Valeri Nichushkin cleared to return to practice

(Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was cleared Monday to resume practicing with the team, the NHL and players association announced.

Nichushkin has entered the "follow-up care" phase of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He has not been cleared to return to game action.

Nichushkin, 28, has been away from the team since entering the player assistance prog