Feb 27, 2025 12:44 AM IST
Ahead Valeri Nichushkin will return to the Avalanche lineup for the first time in practically 2 months
DENVER — Valeri Nichushkin returns to the Colorado Avalanche lineup Wednesday night time for the primary time in practically two months after recovering from a lower-body damage.
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The Russian ahead will attempt to spark a sputtering Avalanche offense that’s scored two objectives in back-to-back losses since getting back from the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off event.
The sport in opposition to the New Jersey Devils can be Nichushkin’s first since Dec. 31.
“You can’t underestimate how much he means to this team,” defenseman Cale Makar stated after Wednesday’s morning skate. “It will be a huge addition for us. Hopefully he’s back to Valeri form. He looks pretty good out there.”
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said there will be no restrictions with Nichushkin. He also will help out on special teams.
The 29-year-old Nichushkin had 11 goals and six assists in 21 games before getting hurt. He missed the opening 17 games of the season after being suspended last May and placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Colorado is 209-74-27 with Nichushkin in the lineup.
“In regard to the power forwards, you can say he’s the best in the world,” ahead Logan O’Connor stated. “Just a big-body forward out there for us. … It’s going to be massive to have back in the lineup.”
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Nichushkin will help out attempting to attain gritty objectives in entrance of the online — an space the place the Avalanche have struggled at occasions. It was the forte of captain Gabriel Landeskog, however he hasn’t performed for the reason that Avalanche hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2022 on account of a lingering knee damage.
“There are so many things he does with that frame of his,” ahead Jonathan Drouin stated of Nichushkin. “He’s a beast and we’re going to need him.”
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