Nichushkin (lower body) should be able to draw back into the lineup immediately after the 4 Nations Face-Off, which would put his projected return date as Feb. 22, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports Thursday.

Forward Valeri Nichushkin suffered a setback in his return from a lower-body injury and doesn't figure to be back in the Colorado Avalanche lineup anytime soon.

Nichushkin (lower body) is expected to be out of action through the 4 Nations Face-Off, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. Nichushkin has already missed 14 games due to his lower body issue and will now be on the shelf for at least five more.

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Valeri Nichushkin for fantasy hockey. According to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette, Colorado Avalanche left

The Colorado Avalanche remain without key forward Valeri Nichushkin, and that absence is going to continue for longer than expected.

Following a 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday, the Avalanche return home with all kinds of issues that need to be sorted out. Their depth has struggled to produce, the inconsistencies on defense are glaring,

Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had a setback in his rehab from a lower-body injury and is now considered week-to-week.

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had a setback in his rehab from a lower-body injury and is now considered week-to-week.

Forward Valeri Nichushkin suffered a setback in his return from a lower-body injury and doesn't figure to be back in the Colorado Avalanche lineup anytime soon. Colorado coach Jared Bednar ...

The St. Louis Blues visit the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night, and both teams are trying to break out of slumps. St. Louis (23-24-4) has lost three in a row, falling further back in the Western Conference playoff race as the NHL season heads toward the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Plus the Panthers’ declining rush game, extreme special teams in Vegas and a couple of goalies who are deserving of some recognition.

Will Colorado blow out struggling St. Louis in Friday night’s Blues vs. Avalanche matchup at 9:00 p.m. ET? While the Aves are heavily favored on the moneyline, they also come with plus odds on the puckline.