The Colorado Avalanche remain without key forward Valeri Nichushkin, and that absence is going to continue for longer than expected.

Nichushkin (lower body) participated in Sunday's practice and is inching toward being ready to return to the lineup, according to Meghan Angley of Guerilla Sports. Nichushkin was a full participant in Sunday's session but left the ice early,

The Avalanche’s underwhelming homestand ended with an OT loss, but they also got bad news on the Valeri Nichushkin front.  If you’re into old-school hockey, you’ll love the tilt between two of the league’s last remaining heavyweight fighters.

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Valeri Nichushkin for fantasy hockey. Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (lower body) has suffered a setback

Nichushkin did appear to be getting close to returning before this setback. He has 11 goals and 17 points in 21 appearances in 2024-25. Nichushkin hasn't been in the lineup since Dec. 31, but when he is healthy, he serves in a top-six capacity and features on the first power-play unit.

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.

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.

It has been tough sledding of late for the Colorado Avalanche. Coming into Wednesday night’s contest with the Winnipeg Jets, the team had lost four of its previous six, including a 3-0 shutout at the hands of the Jets on Jan.

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.

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