The wait for Valeri Nichushkin continues. Colorado's big Russian winger took part in most of practice on Friday before the team flew to Nashville, but with about five minutes left in the skate, he went to the locker room before the rest of his teammates.

The Avalanche are getting Valeri Nichushkin back on Wednesday, head coach Jared Bednar announced during his weekly radio segment. The 29-year-old forward has missed every game since the calendar turned to 2025.

The Colorado Avalanche missed an opportunity when Minnesota came to town six weeks ago, and they know they can't waste another chance to track down the Wild in the Central Division standings.

The Colorado Avalanche are finally back home on Wednesday after most of the team got some much-needed rest during the Four Nations Faceoff break. Wednesday's game kicks off a six-game homestand, then the Avalanche will head back on the road on March 11th.