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Colorado Avalanche News

Burns (mouth) did not skate on a regular line at Sharks practice on Monday, indicating that he likely won't be in the lineup on Tuesday.

Burns continues to progress towards a return, but it does not appear that it will be tomorrow. James Neal randomly played on Saturday though so don't completely rule him out yet. His next opportunity to play would be Thursday versus Vancouver.

Brent Burns
Burns (face) is on the ice with the Sharks in a no-contact jersey.

Burns continues to practice, but has yet to shed the "don't hit me jersey". There is still no timetable for Burns return, but until he gets rid of that no-contact jersey he should be considered out. Monitor his status prior to Sunday's contest but it does not look promising.

Brent Burns
Burns (face) will not play tonight vs. Vancouver.

Burns will miss his eighth straight game since being injured in a collision on October 19. He continues to practice with the Sharks but is not ready to return to the lineup. He will likely return at some point during the Sharks upcoming road trip that starts on Sunday in Winnipeg.

Brent Burns
For the first time since he was hurt on Oct. 19 against Calgary, Sharks forward Brent Burns was seen on the ice in full hockey pads, skating around the rink by himself at the team's practice facility on Monday morning. Previously, Burns was in a just a helmet.

The Sharks have been vague when it comes to the details of Burns’ injury. “Getting closer, from what I’ve been told,” Todd McLellan said on Monday. “He’s welcome back any time, obviously. We’d love to have him back with our team. From my understanding, he’s getting closer.” Could Burns return to practice this week? "I don’t have that. He and the trainers and the doctors know when that will happen,” McLellan said.

Brent Burns
Brent Burns skated solo again this morning.

Burns was wearing pads for the first time today, but he continues to skate alone and not with the Sharks. The fact that he didn't skate with his teammates today suggests he won't be in the lineup tomorrow or this week. If you are in a weekly league I think it would be wise to keep Burns on the bench again this week.

Brent Burns
Nichushkin has been moved to the Stars top line.

Nichushkin scored his first NHL goal last night and was rewarded with a move to the top line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin today. This has happened before but he did not end up playing with them in-game. Dallas takes on the Bruins tomorrow, if he sticks on the first line, you should expect and increase in production from the talented Russian.

Valeri Nichushkin
An injured Brent Burns (upper body) continued to skate on his own. The forward took the ice by himself for approximately 20 minutes before the Sharks went on for practice wearing a helmet but no pads.

The details on Burns’ injury are still vague, but according to general manager Doug Wilson, he is not expected to be out long term.

Brent Burns
As reported yesterday, Bruns is officially out for tonight vs. Los Angeles.

Burns will miss his fifth consecutive game with a mouth injury that he suffered on October 19th. The Sharks haven't skipped a beat without Burns, but his eight points in eight games has fantasy owners chomping at the bit for him return. Consider him questionable for Saturday vs. Phoenix

Brent Burns
Burns (mouth) skated on his own today but will miss Wednesay's contest with the Kings.

Burns will miss his fifth consecutive game on Wednesday with a mouth injury he suffered on October 19th. The Sharks haven't missed a beat without Burns, but his eight points in eight games has fantasy owners impatiently waiting for his return. Consider him questionable for Saturday vs. Phoenix

Brent Burns
Nichushkin skating on top line with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn this morning.

Nichushkin was on everyone's sleeper list after a stellar preseason, but limited minutes and subpar line-mates have held him back to start the season. The move to the top line should definitely help the 18-year-old, especially the way Seguin and Benn have been playing (combined 19 points in eight games). Nichushkin is only owned in 5% of Yahoo! leagues, if he gets a chance to stay on this line, chances are he will produce.

Valeri Nichushkin
Brent Burns is out tonight after taking a hit to the mouth in Saturday's game. He could be back by Thursday vs. Boston.

Burns has been off to a hot-start scoring four goals and four assists in eight games. On Yahoo he is still D eligible giving him great value when he is playing on Joe Thornton's right wing. Freddie Hamilton will replace Burns on the top-line.

Brent Burns