Overview
- Nichushkin exited Tuesday’s win over the Ducks in the third period, and Jared Bednar confirmed Thursday that the forward will be out on a week-to-week basis.
- He will not play Thursday against the Sabres, with rookie Gavin Brindley stepping onto the second line alongside Brock Nelson and Ross Colton.
- Artturi Lehkonen regains the net-front spot on the top power-play unit during Nichushkin’s absence, while Victor Olofsson or Gabriel Landeskog remain options for expanded roles.
- Nichushkin has five goals and 12 points in 17 games this season, serving as a regular on Colorado’s second line and top power play.
- Colorado expects a more precise timetable early next week, as Samuel Girard returns to the lineup and Jack Ahcan was reassigned to the AHL to make room.