Valeri Nichushkin Out Due to Injury

Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche is sidelined for an estimated 7-10 days due to a lower-body injury sustained during a recent game against the Winnipeg Jets. Head coach Jared Bednar classified Nichushkin's status as day-to-day, noting the injury isn't serious but will require monitoring over the next week. The 29-year-old forward has had a strong season so far, scoring 11 goals and six assists in 21 games, despite missing the first 17 games due to a six-month suspension related to his participation in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Nichushkin's absence comes as the Avalanche face the Buffalo Sabres, and Oskar Olausson has been recalled to fill his spot in the lineup. Colorado remains in decent form, currently riding a five-game win streak and sitting third in the Central Division. The team is also hopeful for the continued recovery of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has been absent since June 2022 due to knee surgery.