Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Nearing return

Nichushkin (ankle) is getting close to his return, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told Peter Baugh of The Athletic on Wednesday.

Nichushkin, who hasn't played since Oct. 25 because of the injury, skated with the team for the first time since undergoing surgery and wore a full-contact sweater. He has seven goals and 12 points in seven contests in 2022-23. When Nichushkin is ready to return, he will likely serve on the top line and first power-play unit.