Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Targeting Thursday return

Nichushkin (upper body) may be an option to play in Thursday's matchup with the Canucks.

Nichushkin has been out of action since Opening Night against the Blackhawks on Oct. 13, in which he registered one assist, three shots and two hits in 15:03 of ice time. If the 26-year-old winger does get into the lineup versus Vancouver, he figures to be in the mix for a top-six role, where he could get back over the 30-point mark for the first time since his rookie campaign.