Despite scoring 10 points in nine games throughout the playoffs, Nichushkin's stellar effort in the second round against the Dallas Stars was soon forgotten. The Russian forward betrayed the organization's confidence by failing a drug test, receiving a six-month suspension from the NHL, and being placed on the third phase of the Player Assistance Program.
The team's general manager, Chris MacFarland, discussed that matter in detail at his post-season media availability. Although ending his contract isn't an option for now, he said, it won't be simple to regain that trust:
Although they can still choose to buy him out, doing so will put the team at a significant financial disadvantage going forward due to the salary cap. Furthermore, given Nichushkin's reputation and his $6,125,000 AAV deal with a no-movement provision, it would be shocking to see them pull off a trade.
