Since the start of the 2024-25 season, the Colorado Avalanche—particularly the forwards—have been decimated by injuries.
As if the Avs’ starting the season without Artturi Lehkonen, Valeri Nichushkin, and Gabriel Landeskog weren’t bad enough, they had more top-six forwards spend time on the injured reserve after the start of the season.
A month into the season, the Avs are finally starting to get their full roster back.
Nichushkin is expected to return to the lineup on Friday against the Washington Capitals after a six-month suspension for violating the league’s policies.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Nichushkin will be a massive boost to the offense. He was on a tear during the 2023-24 season when he notched 53 points in 54 games. He followed that up with nine goals in 10 postseason games before entering Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
Nichushkin had been training on his own during the six-month suspension. He started being involved in team activities this past week. All signs point to him being ready to play.
“He’s been on the ice alone with his coach,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “So he’s feeling pretty good on the ice. Obviously a workout fanatic anyways so he’s been in the gym the whole time … when he gets cleared he’s probably going to be ready to go.”
Although much of his success came with playing on a line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, it is not likely he will slot into the top line right away. Lehkonen has been having success playing alongside MacKinnon and Rantanen.
It is likely plays on a line with Casey Mittelstadt who has 16 points in 17 games despite playing with projected third and fourth liners. If Mittelstadt and Nichushkin are able to form some chemistry, it will add a dynamic to the Avs’ offense they haven’t had this season.
The Avs have not had a formidable second line since arguably the 2021-22 season when they won the Stanley Cup.
Nichushkin isn’t the only reinforcement set to return for the Avalanche.
Colorado activated Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood off the injured reserve on Thursday.
That allows the Avalanche to have almost their entire top six back into the fold.
If Ross Colton and Landeskog return to the lineup in the near future, the Avalanche will have their full roster available for the first time all season.