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February 26, 2025
Dec 16, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin (13) skates prior to the start of a game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

The Avalanche are getting Valeri Nichushkin back on Wednesday, head coach Jared Bednar announced during his weekly radio segment.

The 29-year-old forward has missed every game since the calendar turned to 2025. He suffered a lower-body injury in Colorado’s 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on New Year’s Eve and was originally slated to be out day-to-day before suffering a setback.

Nichushkin was a full participant during Tuesday’s practice, skating on the second line with center Casey Mittelstadt and winger Jonathan Drouin.

Colorado went 10-9-2 in 21 games without him.

It’ll be a welcoming addition to the lineup given the depth-scoring issues the Avs have faced since his injury.

Outside of Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, Artturi Lehkonen, and Jonathan Drouin, none of the Avalanche forwards have more than 7 points in the past 20 games. They’ve combined for just 29 in that stretch, of which Colorado has only won nine times.

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