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

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.

Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had a setback in his rehab from a lower-body injury and is now considered week-to-week.

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

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

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.

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had a setback in his rehab from a lower-body injury and is now considered week-to-week.

“We’re getting a busy schedule again here now,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said ... not ready to return from an upper-body injury. Valeri Nichushkin skated before practice, but he’s ...

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.

Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin, top, celebrates Artturi Lehkonen's goal with teammates during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Utah Hockey Club, Friday, Dec. 27 ...