Avalanche’s Valeri Nichushkin To Miss Some Time

An oft injured Colorado Avalanche winger has once again landed on the sideline. Head coach Jared Bednar shared that Valeri Nichushkin will need to miss “some time” after sustaining a lower-body injury in Tuesday night’s game against the Anaheim Ducks, per The DNVR. Bednar added that the team is still evaluating the extent of Nichushkin’s injury and aren’t sure just how long he’ll be out, per Denver Gazette’s Evan Rawal. The Avalanche expect to know more about Nichushkin’s absence on Thursday.

It wasn’t entirely clear when Nichushkin sustained his injury. He left the team’s bench in the third period, after appearing to be in pain earlier in the period. He managed a primary assist on Colorado’s second goal, before exiting the game.

The Avalanche will miss Nichushkin’s presence in the top-six. He’s scored five goals and 12 points through 17 games this season, while averaging 18 minutes of ice time. He has also recorded four blocked shots, 16 hits, and 41 shots on goal. Nichushkin has filled roles on the top power-play and penalty-killing unit – though the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog has cut his ice time just a bit. Fittingly, Landeskog scored his first goal of the season – and his first regular season goal since March 2022 – for Nichushkin’s sole point on Tuesday.

A prolonged absence for Nichushkin would force Colorado to shake up a roster that’s been surprisingly consistent all year long. Landeskog would almost surely move up to Colorado’s top-line, and top power-paly unit, especially after finding the scoresheet for the first time in three games. Ross Colton, who has earned a third-line role with chippy hockey, could be in line for PK minutes in Nichushkin’s spot. Colton has seven blocked shots and an offense-leading 39 hits in 17 games. An open spot on the penalty-kill could also offer opportunity for rookies Gavin Brindley or Zakhar Bardakov.

Nichushkin can be considered doubtful for Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, and questionable for Sunday’s game against the New York Islanders, until the Avalanche release a clearer prognosis.