Colorado Avalanche Provide Crucial News on Valeri Nichushkin's Potential Comeback

It is safe to say that the Colorado Avalanche did not start the 2024-25 season as many had hoped, but it is easy to understand why the team has struggled thus far given all of the injuries and absences. The team recently revealed the latest in the story of star forward Valeri Nichushkin, and it looks like they might be getting one of those absences back.

Nichushkin has returned to the ice in Colorado while still enrolled in the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program, according to a team social media release. Although he will only be able to skate alone, this is a significant step in the right direction. The Seattle incident is undoubtedly a bad look for Nichushkin, but it seems like the locker room may have forgiven him for anything. Both star forward Nathan MacKinnon and head coach Jared Bednar have stated that they will welcome the 29-year-old star back with "open arms."

Don't expect a return anytime in the next three to four weeks as Nichushkin still needs to complete a number of steps before being released from the Player Assistance Program. Even then, he will need to catch up before rejoining the team. Nichushkin has been a vital member of the Avalanche lineup for the last three years, scoring 152 points in 169 games. The team will feel more confident after defeating Anaheim on Friday night because of his impending return.

Although this team will have significant reinforcements later this season due to injuries sustained by Jonathan Drouin, Artturi Lehkonen, and Gabriel Landeskog, they will need to continue to fight hard to stay in the race until those players and Nichushkin arrive.