Deen’s Daily: Nichushkin Still Recovering; Pittsburgh Legend Dies; 4 Nations Championship!

Ready for the 4 Nations Face-Off championship? Also, the Avs returned to practice on Wednesday and provided several injury updates. Spoiler: They’re not great. The Penguins also lost a legend.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — February 20.

Colorado Hockey Now

Is there anything more on brand than having injury updates dominate the first day of Avalanche practice following a 12-day break? Buckle up.

• Josh Manson is still not ready to return and Valeri Nichushkin’s status will be determined on Thursday and Friday when the team practices two more times before their next game. Will the Russian forward make his return during this weekend’s back-to-back? Find out more in Wednesday’s practice report.
• How about an update on the captain? Gabriel Landeskog was on the latest road trip before the break but that doesn’t mean anything has changed. In fact, there’s still nothing new to report. Landeskog said last May that he hopes to play between September of 2024 and April of 2025. April is less than six weeks away.
• Scott Wedgewood missed the last four games before the break but he’s back and healthy. Until he wasn’t. Then he was again. (No but seriously, he’s fine).

Bednar says he saw Wedgewood go down and thought the worst.

Then he heard Wedgewood took a shot “to the jewels” and said “thank god.”

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) February 19, 2025

4 Nations Face-Off News

Ottawa Hockey Now: Brady Tkachuk and brother Matthew have been the talk of Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Without Charlie McAvoy, and with others dealing with the flu, the Americans made two call-ups, adding a forward and a defenseman to the roster as replacements in case any of their remaining skaters are unable to play in tonight’s championship.

Boston Hockey Now: Speaking of McAvoy, could his injury have a lasting effect on this tournament and future World Cups?

Around the NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The legendary voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike Lange, has died. Read more about his impact on the franchise here.

Detroit Hockey Now: Fighting for a wildcard spot, new Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan believes the true identity of his team will rear its head over the upcoming eight weeks.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders got Noah Dobson back on the ice during practice.