Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin Faces Week-to-Week Recovery After Injury Setback

The Colorado forward has been sidelined since December 31 and remains a key absence for the team’s lineup.

Valeri Nichushkin, 29, is recovering from a lower-body injury and has been downgraded to week-to-week after a second setback in his rehabilitation.
He last played on December 31, leaving the game early, and has not returned to practice since the weekend.
Nichushkin has contributed 17 points (11 goals, 6 assists) in 21 games this season, with the Avalanche performing better when he is in the lineup (14-7-0) compared to without him (14-12-1).
The forward missed the first 17 games of the season due to a suspension related to the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, following his absence during last year’s playoffs.
Nichushkin, a Stanley Cup champion with Colorado in 2022, remains on the active roster but could be placed on injured reserve if the Avalanche need to open a roster spot.