Colorado Avalanche News

Nichushkin (hip) will play in his first game since November 6th.

After completing a three-game conditioning stint with Texas (AHL), Nichushkin is back with the Stars and ready to play tonight. He is expected to start on the fourth line with Colton Sceviour and Travis Moen, but should move around a bit. He had no points in four games with the Stars earlier in the season.

Valeri Nichushkin
The Stars have activated Nichushkin (hip) from IR and sent him to Texas (AHL) for a conditioning stint.

Ninchushkin, who has only appeared in four games with the Stars this season, is finally ready to get into game action after undergoing hip surgery back in November. He will play three games in Texas before returning to Dallas for the final five games of the regular season.

Valeri Nichushkin
MacKinnon will miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured foot.

MacKinnon’s broken foot likely ends what has been a disappointing sophomore season for the 19-year-old. After a 63 point rookie season, Mackinnon registered just 38 points (14G / 24A) in in 64 games this season. The Avalanche sit nine points out of the playoffs, so this injury all but derails any hope they had for the postseason. Despite an average season, MacKinnon remands as an excellent keeper option.

Nathan MacKinnon
Nichushkin (hip) is still 4-6 weeks away from returning to the lineup.

Nichushkin, who had hip surgery on November 18th, visited with his doctor last weekend and was told it would still be 4-6 weeks before he can play in an NHL game. “He’s skating before and after practice,” GM Jim Nill said. “We’ll take it slower and just make sure he’s ready for each step.”

Valeri Nichushkin
Nichushkin (hip) is back in Dallas after rehabbing in New Jersey.

Nichushkin had surgery on his hip in mod-November and had been in New Jersey since. He was back at team facilities today and was reportedly in good spirits. His original timetable for a return was four months, which would see him return for the final 10-15 games of the season.

Valeri Nichushkin
Nichushkin underwent successful hip surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss four months.

The Stars prospect has had a difficult time getting his NHL career started on the right track. He was hampered by a sore hip to start the year and now this surgery will keep him out until the middle of March which will have him return for the final 10-15 games of the season. For re-draft leagues he is safe to drop, while in deep keeper leagues he is worth stashing away in your IR.

Valeri Nichushkin
Nichushkin (groin) is questionable to return on Tuesday.

Nichushkin has missed the last nine games, but was on the ice for Stars practice this morning after a two-game conditioning stint with Texas (AHL) over the weekend. Head coach Lindy Ruff said whether or not he plays will be based on his conditioning, but considering he just returned from a conditioning stint, it would seem likely that he will play.

Valeri Nichushkin