The Colorado Avalanche is as healthy as it’s been all season.
Valeri Nichushkin is going to return Wednesday night against the New Jersey Devils. He’s been out since Dec. 31 with a lower-body injury. He’s expected to start on the second line and the second power-play unit.
Nichushkin, who also missed the start of the season while completing a six-month suspension after being placed in Stage 3 of the NHL-NHLPA player assistance program, has 11 goals and 17 points in 21 games.
“He’s just a big force who plays in all situations. I feel like he’s very valuable to our team,” Avs forward Casey Mittelstadt said.