Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Nets lone goal in loss
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Nichushkin scored a power-play goal on four shots and added two hits in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Maple Leafs.
Nichushkin tied the game at 1-1 on a feed from Nathan MacKinnon early in the second period. This was Nichushkin's third game in a row with a goal, and he has earned four points, nine shots and six hits in that span. The 30-year-old winger is up to 18 goals, nine helpers, five power-play points, 82 shots, 32 hits and a plus-10 rating over 31 appearances in 2024-25.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Posts two points in win
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Nichushkin scored a goal, registered an assist and tallied four shots on net in Sunday's 4-3 overtime win against the Stars.
Both of Nichushkin's points came in the second period and were the only two goals scored by either team. He found the back of the net against his former squad over six minutes into the period before tallying a secondary assist on linemate Jonathan Drouin's goal. The 30-year-old Nichushkin is up to 17 goals, nine assists and 79 shots on net across 30 outings this season. Nichushkin has been a good option offensively for Colorado since his return from a lower-body injury as he's posted nine points in his last nine games. Between his role in Colorado's top six and heavy usage on the power play, Nichushkin is a strong late-season add in all fantasy formats. At his current pace, he should contend for the 35-40-point mark by the end of the regular season.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Pots empty-netter
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Nichushkin scored an empty-net goal on two shots and added two hits in Friday's 4-2 win over the Flames.
Nichushkin helped the Avalanche fend off a late comeback attempt by the Flames. The goal was his first since he had a hat trick last Saturday versus the Maple Leafs. The 30-year-old winger is up to 16 goals, 24 points, 75 shots on net, 28 hits and a plus-10 rating over 29 appearances this season, mainly in a second-line role.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: First regular-season hat trick
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Nichushkin had three goals and an assist in a 7-4 win over the Maple Leafs on Saturday.
It was Nichuskin's first career regular-season hattie. He has been red hot when he's been on the ice this season, putting up 15 goals on 70 shots, eight assists and 26 hits in just 26 games. Nichushkin has been impactful in five games since his return from injury, compiling four goals, two assists and 18 shots.
Nichushkin notched a power-play assist, two shots on goal and two hits in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Penguins.
Nichushkin has two points over three games, both on the power play, since returning from a lower-body injury. The 30-year-old winger is up to 12 goals, seven helpers, four power-play points, 64 shots on net, 22 hits and a plus-7 rating through 24 outings. He's in a top-six role and seeing steady power-play time, so Nichushkin is a player fantasy managers can turn to for a boost on offense down the stretch.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Scores on power play in win
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Nichushkin scored a power-play goal on five shots in Friday's 5-2 win over the Wild.
This was Nichushkin's second game back from missing 21 contests due to a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old winger has resumed a role on the second line and second power-play unit. Nichushkin has 12 goals, 18 points, 62 shots on net, 20 hits and a plus-6 rating across 23 appearances. If he can stay healthy, he's a big boost to an Avalanche offense that has often lacked in depth scoring, and he could play his way onto the top line eventually.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Ready to return
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Nichushkin (lower body) will be activated off injured reserve and play Wednesday versus New Jersey, per Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.
It will be Nichushkin's first game since Dec. 31. He has 11 goals and 17 points in 21 appearances in 2024-25. Nichushkin might serve in a top-six capacity Wednesday, which could in turn reduce Juuso Parssinen's role.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Nearing return to action
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Nichushkin (lower body) could be an option against the Devils on Wednesday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.
Head coach Jared Bednar wouldn't confirm Nichushkin's return to the lineup, but it appears the winger is trending in the right direction. For now, Nichushkin remains on injured reserve and will need to be activated before he can hit the ice. Once given the all-clear, Nichushkin should be in the mix for a spot in the Avs' top six.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Not traveling on road trip
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Nichushkin (lower body) will not travel with the Avalanche during their upcoming two-game road trip that starts Saturday in Nashville, according to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.
Although Nichushkin will miss the next two games, the Avalanche hope he's able to return to action Wednesday when New Jersey comes to town. Nichushkin missed the 19 games leading up to the 4 Nations Face-Off break and has 11 goals and 17 points in 21 contests this season.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Back at practice
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Nichushkin (lower body) returned to practice Thursday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.
Nichushkin practiced for 15 minutes, participating in line rushes before stopping when contact drills began, but he still worked on his own afterward. Nichushkin has missed the last 19 games and is doubtful for Colorado's back-to-back set this weekend. He has 11 goals and 17 points over 21 games this season.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Moves to IR
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Nichushkin (lower body) was put on injured reserve Monday.
Colorado activated Oliver Kylington (upper body) from the IR list in a corresponding move. Nichushkin has missed the last 16 games, but he could be ready to return after the 4 Nations Face-Off when Colorado visits Nashville on Feb. 22. The 29-year-old forward has 11 goals, 17 points, 52 shots on net, 10 blocked shots and 18 hits across 21 appearances this season.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Should return after 4 Nations
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Nichushkin (lower body) should be able to draw back into the lineup immediately after the 4 Nations Face-Off, which would put his projected return date as Feb. 22, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports Thursday.
Nichushkin was already expected to miss Colorado's final five games before the tournament, but it seems that will be the end of the time he'll miss due to his lower-body issue. Nichushkin has 11 goals and 17 points in 21 appearances in 2024-25. The 29-year-old should serve in a top-six role once he's healthy.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Likely out through 4 Nations
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Nichushkin (lower body) is expected to be out of action through the 4 Nations Face-Off, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.
Nichushkin has already missed 14 games due to his lower-body issue and will now be on the shelf for at least five more matchups. If the Avalanche need to bring in another forward, the 29-year-old winger would be a candidate for long-term injured reserve considering he has already missed significant time. When healthy, Nichushkin has offered decent offensive upside with 17 points in 21 appearances, including 11 goals.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Suffers setback
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Nichushkin (lower body) is back to being considered week-to-week after suffering a setback, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports Wednesday.
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.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Nearing return to lineup
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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, indicating he still has some work to do before getting clearance to play. He will likely miss his 10th straight game when Colorado hosts Minnesota on Monday. Nichushkin has 11 goals, 17 points, 52 shots on net, 10 blocked shots and 18 hits across 21 appearances this season.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Still not ready to return
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Nichushkin (lower body) is not expected back any time soon with head coach Jared Bednar telling reporters Monday the winger "probably has some distance to go," per Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.
Nichushkin has already missed six games due to his lower-body injury but seems no closer to getting back into the lineup. Given his recovery timeline, it seems likely the 29-year-old Russian will be designated for injured reserve sooner rather than later.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Facing 7-10 day absence
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Head coach Jared Bednar said Thursday that Nichushkin (lower body) is expected to be sidelined for 7-10 days, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.
Nichushkin had been previously ruled out versus Buffalo on Thursday but it seems his absence will be a little longer. With the Avs in a busy part of their schedule, the 29-year-old winger could be out of action for the next five games even on the shorter side of his recovery timeline. Mikko Rantanen will likely be moved up to a first-line role, while Juuso Parssinen or Joel Kiviranta could get a look at the top six.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Ruled out against Sabres
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Nichushkin (lower body) will not be an option versus the Sabres on Thursday but remains day-to-day, Avalanche play-by-play announcer Conor McGahey reports.
Nichushkin has been riding a five-game point streak prior to Tuesday's clash with Winnipeg. Since returning from his suspension, the 29-year-old winger has been performing well with 11 goals and six helpers, including two power-play points, in 21 outings. With Nichushkin on the shelf, Mikko Rantanen will likely move up to the first line, though Jonathan Drouin could be an option as well.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Sends assist in win
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Nichushkin notched an assist, three shots on goal, two hits, two blocked shots and a plus-3 rating in Friday's 4-1 win over Utah.
Nichushkin couldn't extend his goal streak, but he's still earned a point in five straight contests (four goals, two assists). The winger set up the second of Artturi Lehkonen's three goals in the game. Nichushkin is up to 11 tallies, six helpers, 49 shots on net, 18 hits and a plus-5 rating over 20 appearances in 2024-25 and should remain a steady source of offense in a top-six role.
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Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Goal, assist in Friday's win
Rotowire
Nichushkin scored a goal on three shots, dished an assist and went plus-2 in Friday's 4-2 win over the Ducks.
Nichushkin has scored in three straight games. The 29-year-old winger's strong play has allowed head coach Jared Bednar to spread out the Avalanche's top talent across two lines. Nichushkin has 10 goals, five assists, 42 shots on net, 15 hits and a plus-2 rating through 18 appearances. He's typically been a strong fantasy option when available over the last three seasons, and that's especially true when he's on the top line as he is now.
