Avs F Valeri Nichushkin dealing with injury setback

Field Level Media|published: Wed 22nd January, 13:22 2025

Dec 22, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) reacts with left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) after his goal in the second period against the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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

Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed the news Wednesday and said Nichushkin "is not close to coming back soon."

Nichushkin, 29, has not played since Dec. 31. He has 17 points (11 goals, six assists) in 21 games this season.

"He's an impact player on any line that he plays on and has a huge impact on special teams, too," Bednar said. "One player of that caliber makes a big difference."

The Avalanche are 14-7 with Nichushkin and 14-12-1 without him this season.

Nichushkin has 291 points (127 goals, 164 assists) in 533 career games with the Dallas Stars (2013-16, 2018-19) and Avalanche. He won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2021-22.

--Field Level Media

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