Avalanche Update: Nichushkin and Byram Grind Away

The Colorado Avalanche are expected to return to the ice (officially) on Sunday, but two injured players have kept grinding all week.

As we reported earlier this week, both Bowen Byram and Valeri Nichushkin have been skating.

We’re not talking easy skates, either. Skills coach Shawn Allard has been working them hard. Byram has skated every day this week, while Nichushkin has been out there every day since Tuesday.

The skates are completely voluntary, so no one has to be here, but it’s a good sign in regards to their health. Both skaters look good to my eye, but you all can be the judge.

Both are in contact jerseys, but with no one else out there, that doesn’t matter much. If they are in contact jerseys when the team returns to practice, then you’ll know they’re close to a return.

Check out the videos below. Stay tuned to CHN for updates.