Valeri Nichushkin was back in full gear at Avalanche practice on Monday, skating in his usual second-line spot alongside center Brock Nelson. Ross Colton rounded out that line.
Captain Gabe Landeskog is among four guys who were not on the ice for Monday’s practice. Nathan MacKinnon, Parker Kelly, and Landeskog are all under the weather, while Victor Olofsson was taking a maintenance day.
Nichushkin could be back in the lineup on Tuesday, according to head coach Jared Bednar.
“He’s a possibility for tomorrow if he gets through today okay,” Bednar said.
Assuming Nichushkin and the guys that missed practice all play, it’s worth wondering if Landeskog ends up being on that second line with Nelson and Nichushkin. They started the season together before Landeskog switched spots with Colton.
Landeskog has been on a tear as of late, putting up four goals and four assists in his last nine games. He’s also a +9 in that stretch and has been a staple of the top power play unit. Albeit Nichushkin’s return could push Landeskog back to the second unit.
The Avs host the Vancouver Canucks at Ball Arena before embarking on a four-game road trip.
In other injury news, Bednar did not have any updates on Logan O’Connor, who was not present for practice. The other injured forward, Gavin Brindley, skated before the team in a red non contact sweater, though there hasn’t been any updates on his return date yet.
