Valeri Nichushkin injury: Avalanche HC Jared Bednar provides concerning update on $49,000,000 right winger

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. After returning to action for 21 games he then suffered a lower-body injury against the Winnipeg Jets on December 31.

Nichushkin has missed the last 10 games with said injury. After participating in practice over the weekend it appeared his return was just around the corner. However, things have changed drastically. On Thursday, Nichushkin suffered a setback in his recovery and is not close to returning to the Avalanche lineup.

Avalanche beat writer Evan Rawal shared coach Jared Bednar's injury update on the status of Nichushkin on X.

"Bednar said Nichushkin had a setback and he's not close to returning. Back to week to week," Rawal wrote on X.

The Russian right-winger has been a dominant force for Colorado over the last six years but has only played more than 60 games in two of those seasons.

Nichushkin is in the third season of his eight-year, $49 million extension signed with the Avalanche in 2022.

Valeri Nichushkin has been extremely productive when available

Valeri Nichushkin has been a game-changer for the Colorado Avalanche when he's been healthy enough to play.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound winger racked up 17 points (11 goals, six assists) in those 21 games while playing 19:39 minutes a night. He was heavily relied upon playing in a top-six forward role, and number one power-play unit.

This builds on his 2023-24 campaign where he racked up 53 points (28 goals, 25 assists) in just 54 games. He's provided the Avs with almost a point-per-game production while playing in all different phases of the game.

Colorado will continue to hit the ice rink without Valeri Nichushkin on Thursday when they host the division rival Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena. The puck drops at 9:30 p.m. EST.