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Valeri Nichushkin Returns to Avalanche Lineup After Player Assistance Program
Valeri Nichushkin is set to make his return to the Avalanche lineup against the Minnesota Wild after completing treatment through the player assistance program, announced Colorado coach Jared Bednar.
Nichushkin, a 28-year-old Russian forward, will hit the ice for the first time since January 10th. He became the Avalanche’s second player this season to avail of the joint NHLPA/NHL program, following defenseman Samuel Girard.
With 22 goals and 20 assists in 40 games this season, Nichushkin will mark his 499th regular-season appearance come Friday.
“We’re pleased to have him back,” stated Bednar post-morning skate. “He’s an impactful player, and his return strengthens our lineup significantly.”
New Additions to the Avalanche Lineup
Colorado will showcase several new faces in their lineup against Minnesota, having acquired forwards Casey Mittelstadt, Yakov Trenin, and Brandon Duhaime, along with defenseman Sean Walker, before the trade deadline.
All four players are expected to make their debut appearance for the Avalanche.
“I might need to study the game card a bit more tonight,” Bednar joked, acknowledging the influx of new players. “I have confidence in the skill sets these players bring to the table. Our bottom-six has received a boost with the addition of a few hefty players, and Mittelstadt could potentially sway the game in our favor.”
Absences and Reunions
Colorado will be missing forwards Zach Parise and Logan O’Connor due to injuries. Meanwhile, Brandon Duhaime will play his first game in an Avalanche jersey against his former team, the Minnesota Wild.
Duhaime, who played 62 games for the Wild this season, expressed mixed feelings about facing his former team. “It’s certainly a peculiar situation,” he admitted. “But I’d rather tackle it head-on.”
Having been away from the Avalanche since mid-January for rehabilitation purposes, Nichushkin returns with his prowess in power-play scoring, leading the team with a career-high of 13 power-play goals.
During last year’s playoffs, Nichushkin was unavailable for the Avalanche in the postseason due to undisclosed personal matters. His absence was felt in the team’s first-round defeat against the Seattle Kraken.
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