The Colorado Avalanche have yet to have forward Valeri Nichuskin in their lineup in the calendar year of 2025. He hasn’t played since their 5-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets on New Year’s Eve. He’s already missed six games,

Two veteran Avalanche stars have been sidelined with injuries. And the duo are still a ways away from returning to action..

So many players were on the ice at Colorado Avalanche practice Monday that callup Jason Polin didn’t have a stall in the team’s locker room. In total, eight players who hadn’t been available two days ago when the Avs played in Winnipeg were on the ice at Family Sports Center.

Nichushkin has already missed six games due to his lower-body injury but seems no closer to getting back into the lineup. Given his recovery timeline, it seems likely the 29-year-old Russian will be designated for injured reserve sooner rather than later.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar has stressed the importance of winning games within the division, so Saturday's game against the visiting Dallas Stars has more meaning for both teams.

Despite Blackwood's incredible play, the Avs have been scuffling in the new year. They've gone 4-2-1 in 2025, alternating wins and losses as their offence has started to dry up. Contrast that with the Oilers, who have won seven of their past eight, including two shutouts from Stuart Skinner and five four-goal nights from the offence.

The Avalanche scored the first three goals but ended up falling 4-3 to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. It was a disappointing ending to a game where the road team had played the previous night and the Avs seemingly let up in the second period.

There’s no shame in getting beat by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers are the rare team that can create more puck magic than the Avs. Their firepower can be unnerving, and their possession time can be frustrating.

When the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers get together, there’s an overflow of offensive firepower available.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has provided the latest update on injured captain Gabriel Landeskog, absent from play since 2022.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are placing veteran goalie Tristan Jarry on waivers. Follow this tracker for the latest NHL news.

Your look at trends in fantasy hockey with goalie, power-play and droppable notes, with a focus on the most efficient players this week.