Sam Malinski didn’t need a heart-to-heart, in-depth meeting. He got the message. Malinski, a healthy scratch for the past three games, returns to the lineup Wednesday night in a pivotal Central Division showdown against the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena.

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar issued an honest message to Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and the rest of the team after a 3-2 overtime loss against the Winnipeg Jets.

Miles Wood has more history with Mackenzie Blackwood than any other member of the Colorado Avalanche. They were teammates for part of one season in the AHL and five years in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils. They’ve been two of the best golfers on every team they’ve played on.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has provided the latest update on injured captain Gabriel Landeskog, absent from play since 2022.

The Colorado Avalanche’s power play had a very bad Tuesday night, and the head coach called it the least of his worries. That’s how little Jared Bednar thought of his team’s performance — even if the result ended up being much better than the process.

Valeri Nichushkin appeared close to a possible return as he practiced with the team but he didn’t make it through the entire workout.

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar had a blunt, one-word summation after his team rallied for a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers, calling it “unimpressive.”

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.

Former Wolverine Adam Fantilli scored three goals for his first career hat trick in the Blue Jackets' 5-1 win over the Maple Leafs.

Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon could each return to the lineup for the Wild against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+). Each took part in line rushes at practice on Wednesday, and coach John Hynes said he is "cautiously optimistic" that they would play.

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.