Nichushkin Drug Test Was Random, Not Scheduled

As with any player in the NHL, Valeri Nichushkin woke up earlier this week knowing that there was a possibility he could be drug-tested. As a player previously in the NHL Players Association Player Assistance Program, he also knew he might face a higher chance of being tested.

But the test administered to Nichushkin was a random, spot test, sources have told me. If Nichushkin was hopeful of having that day free of any testing - and it remains unclear if Nichushkin was tested Tuesday or the previous day - he miscalculated.

It remains unknown the substance(s) Nichushkin was flagged for, and under the bylaws of the Player Assistance Program, that information will remain confidential.

NHLPA spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon told me that, “All players are eligible for random testing for performance-enhancing substances” but that there “can also be testing as part of the Player Assistance Program, but that is determined by the Player Assistance Program administrators.”

Weatherdon also told me: