Valeri Nichushkin out with upper-body injury

The Avalanche have another injury, despite being off most of the past two weeks. Valeri Nichushkin, upper-body, not at practice today.

Happy New Year.

It wouldn’t be the Avs without something like this, two days before they are slated to resume play again. All the Avs would say today is that Big Val has the UBI and that’s it. Coach Jared Bednar did not talk with the press today, so an official update will have to wait until tomorrow.

Another thing from practice today: Cale Makar wasn’t out there. The Avs say it was a “maintenance day.”

Let’s hope that’s all it is.

Bo Byram had another strong practice, at least, and even ran the first power play in Makar’s absence. Here’s Bo today:

NOTEBOOK: Mikko Rantanen said he had no symptoms of Covid during his stint on the list. He completed a second day of practice and is expected to be in the lineup Sunday. … Pavel Francouz returned to practice. With the NHL’s more relaxed Covid protocol (five days off the list instead of 10), he was able to be out there. Trent Miner had been the other backup goalie the last couple of days, but it is presumed he’ll be sent back to the minors. … Valeri Nichushkin missed a few weeks earlier this season because of a suspected wrist injury. … Shane Bowers has returned to regular action with the Colorado Eagles. His stats through seven games so far: one goal, no assists. … Ryan Murray continues to skate regularly again, in a full-contact jersey. But he is not expected to be in the lineup Sunday, Jared Bednar said recently.