DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche will be without playmaking forward Valeri Nichushkin for an unspecified period due to a lower-body injury.
After Thursday morning’s practice, Coach Jared Bednar indicated that Nichushkin is classified as “day-to-day.” He added, “I don’t think it’s particularly serious, but it might keep him out for seven to ten days. We’ll see how he progresses over the next few days.”
When healthy, Nichushkin has been an integral part of the team, with the Avalanche holding a record of 209-74-27 when he plays. This season, he ranks fourth on the team with 11 goals despite having appeared in only 21 games.
Nichushkin was suspended last May for at least six months and entered Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. This announcement came during Colorado’s playoff run, marking the second consecutive postseason in which he was unavailable for off-ice reasons.
The 29-year-old winger missed the first 17 games of the season but made his debut on November 15 against Washington.
The injury-plagued Avalanche recently welcomed back defenseman Josh Manson and forward Jonathan Drouin, only to lose Nichushkin, who left during a New Year’s Eve victory over Winnipeg.
Manson remarked, “Hopefully it’s a short absence for Val. That’s a significant loss… he’s a crucial part of our team.”
Meanwhile, Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog took to the ice during practice, skating with the squad. He has not played since Game 6 on June 26, 2022, when Colorado won the Stanley Cup against Tampa Bay.
Landeskog underwent a cartilage transplant in his right knee on May 10, 2023, aiming for a return to the game.
Bednar commented, “The players are all very aware of Landy’s recovery and the effort he’s putting in to return to the team regularly. Being able to skate with us adds to the optimism of his eventual comeback.”
According to Bednar, Landeskog is “feeling good,” but there has been no significant change in his rehabilitation process. He will continue to work hard until he reaches a point where he can join the team more regularly.
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