Valeri Nichushkin was supposed to be out day-to-day when he got injured against the Winnipeg Jets on New Year’s Eve. Head coach Jared Bednar expected him to miss 7-10 days. He was also working his way back during the homestand and there was once a chance he could play on Wednesday against the Jets.

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has struggled to stay in the lineup this season. The 29-year-old missed the first 17 games due to a six-month ban that began in May for failing a drug test.

Valeri Nichushkin is getting close to returning, but head coach Jared Bednar could not give a specific game date. On Sunday, he practiced with the team in a regular jersey for the first time but left before the session ended.

The Avalanche haven't had forward Valeri Nichushkin in their lineup so far in 2025, and he's still a ways from returning.

Still not ready to return

Forward Valeri Nichushkin suffered a setback in his return from a lower-body injury and doesn't figure to be back in the Colorado Avalanche lineup anytime soon.