Nichushkin (lower body) should be able to draw back into the lineup immediately after the 4 Nations Face-Off, which would put his projected return date as Feb. 22, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports Thursday.

The St. Louis Blues visit the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night, and both teams are trying to break out of slumps. St. Louis (23-24-4) has lost three in a row, falling further back in the Western Conference playoff race as the NHL season heads toward the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

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

The Colorado Avalanche’s injury woes continue as head coach Jared Bednar revealed Wednesday that forward Valeri Nichushkin has suffered a setback in his recovery from a lower-body injury.

Forward Valeri Nichushkin suffered a setback in his return from a lower-body injury and doesn't figure to be back in the Colorado Avalanche lineup anytime soon.

Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had a setback in his rehab from a lower-body injury and is now considered week-to-week.

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.

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had a setback in his rehab from a lower-body injury and is now considered week-to-week.

The Colorado Avalanche should add Chicago Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall to the top-six ahead of the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline.

The Colorado Avalanche are a much better team when Valeri Nichushkin is in the lineup. Unfortunately for the Avs, keeping their star winger healthy and available has proved to be a challenge ...

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,

Chris MacFarland pointed to Rantanen’s pending free agency and the club’s desire to get deeper after three years of being short in that department as reasons for the trade. The NHL’s salary cap ceiling, which is set at $88 million this year but is expected to rise — possibly significantly — in the next couple of seasons is also a factor.