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DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche say suspended forward Valeri Nichushkin has been cleared to begin practicing with the team. Nichushkin remains in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and is ineligible to play in games. His suspension is slated to last until at least mid-November. The talented Russian forward was unavailable for a second straight postseason last May because of circumstances away from the ice. His return would bolster a team that's already thin at forward because of injuries. The Avalanche could soon have back Artturi Lehkonen after he was activated from injured reserve. He's recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
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