The Colorado Avalanche remain without key forward Valeri Nichushkin, and that absence is going to continue for longer than expected.

The Avalanche have dealt with serious injuries to players all season. And Wednesday, the Avs revealed a veteran winger has suffered a setback in rehabilitating an injury.

The Avalanche haven't had forward Valeri Nichushkin in their lineup so far in 2025, and he's still a ways from returning.

There were so many players on the ice at Colorado Avalanche practice Monday that callup Jason Polin didn’t have a stall in the team’s locker room.

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has struggled to stay in the lineup this season. The 29-year-old missed the first 17 games due to a six-month ban that began in May for failing a drug test.

Nichushkin did appear to be getting close to returning before this setback. He has 11 goals and 17 points in 21 appearances in 2024-25. Nichushkin hasn't been in the lineup since Dec. 31, but when he is healthy, he serves in a top-six capacity and features on the first power-play unit.

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Valeri Nichushkin for fantasy hockey. Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (lower body) has suffered a setback

Nichushkin (lower body) participated in Sunday's practice and is inching toward being ready to return to the lineup, according to Meghan Angley of Guerilla Sports. Nichushkin was a full participant in Sunday's session but left the ice early,

Miles Wood has more history with Mackenzie Blackwood than any other member of the Colorado Avalanche. They were teammates for part of one season in the AHL and five years in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils. They’ve been two of the best golfers on every team they’ve played on.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman just revealed some game changing injury news ahead of the Boston Bruins rematch with the Ottawa Senators

Bob Duff’s story on the Detroit Red Wings’ need for more five-on-five scoring looks even more relevant today with the news that Patrick Kane won’t play tonight because of an injury. Given Kane’s recent surge,