It's safe to say that the start of the 2024/25 season was not what many exepected from the Colorado Avalanche, but given all of the injuries and absences, it's easy to understand why the team have struggled early. Now, in the latest update from the team, it appears they may be getting one of those absences back, with the team revealing the latest in the saga of star forward Valeri Nichushkin.
According to a team social media release, Nichushkin has return to the ice in Colorado while remaining in the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program, and while he will only be able to skate on his own, it's a huge step towards a return. The incident that occurred in Seattle certainly isn't a good look for Nichushkin, but it appears that the locker room may have forgiven him for anything, with Head Coach Jared Bednar and star forward Nathan MacKinnon both saying they will welcome the 29-year old star back with 'open arms'.
There are still many steps that Nichushkin has to clear before being released from the Player Assistance Program, and even then he'll have to get up to speed before being back with the team, so don't expect a return anytime in the next 3-4 weeks. Over the past three years, Nichushkin has been a key part of the Avalanche lineup, tallying 152 points in 169 games played, and with his pending return, the team will gain more confidence on the back of a Friday night win over Anaheim.
With Jonathan Drouin, Artturi Lehkonen and Gabriel Landeskog all still out with injury, this team has major reinforcements coming at some point this season, but until then, the team will need to keep fighting hard as they look to stay alive in the race while they wait for those players and Nichushkin to arrive.
POLL | ||
Will the Colorado Avalanche make the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a slow start to the season? | ||
Yes | 68 | 73.1 % |
No | 25 | 26.9 % |
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