DENVER —  The Colorado Avalanche may be the NHL’s premier powerhouse, but tonight they face a formidable test as they take the ice without Valeri Nichushkin, whose return timetable remains uncertain.

Nichushkin exited Tuesday night’s contest against the Anaheim Ducks early the third period with what head coach Jared Bednar described as a lower-body injury. The Russian winger had sacrificed his body to block several shots throughout the game, taking his final shift just over four minutes into the final frame. It’s plausible that one of those late-game blocks inflicted the damage. The Avalanche held an optional skate on Wednesday afternoon, though Nichushkin was notably absent.

Omar (@TicTacTOmar) on X Valeri Nichushkin ties it on the power play

Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Nichushkin will miss some time, though he declined to provide a specific timeline for his return.

“He got evaluated in the room and he’s sore,” Bednar said on Wednesday. “They got to get imaging and all that kind of stuff today, so it’s definitely a concern. He’s not here today and left the game early last night, so he’s going to miss some time, I just don’t know how much.”

Bednar announced on Thursday at morning skate that Nichushkin would be out week-to-week. 

Entering Thursday’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, Nichushkin ranks sixth on the Avalanche in scoring with 12 points, tallying five goals and seven assists.

The numbers speak for themselves. According to StatMuse, the Avalanche are markedly stronger with Valeri Nichushkin in the lineup. In 160 games with the 6-foot-3, 209-pound winger on the ice, Colorado has posted an impressive 110–34–16 record—a winning percentage of roughly 69 percent. In his absence, however, the team hovers just above the .500 mark, going 43–41–6 over 90 games. These figures also underscore a lingering concern: since joining Colorado in 2019, Nichushkin has missed approximately 36 percent of the team’s games, and that number is expected to rise. 

The Avalanche (11–1–5) have highlighted their depth as one of their defining strengths this season, but Thursday’s contest against the Sabres will provide a meaningful test, especially in Nichushkin’s absence. Buffalo (5–7–4) enters the matchup on a four-game losing streak and has dropped seven of its last eight. Meanwhile, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is set to make his third start of the season for Colorado as he continues to work his way back into a regular rhythm. And while Buffalo may not be a marquee opponent, the Avalanche, winners of four straight, still have something to prove.

However, it probably shouldn't impact the Avs too much in this game, if any. Take away Nichushkin's five goals on the season, and Colorado would still be ranked 2nd in scoring in the NHL, just a hair behind the Anaheim Ducks, the team they just beat. But we'll see what happens. 

Other News

Sam Girard was activated off injured reserve on Thursday and could start tonight against Buffalo

Joel Kiviranta skated for the first time last week after suffering a lower-body injury on October 16. He was a participant at Wednesday's optional skate donning a red non-contact jersey. His recovery is expected to last for a while longer.

The Game

The Avalanche square off against the Sabers live from Ball Arena. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. local time.