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.

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

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,

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

The Colorado Avalanche are a much better team when Valeri Nichushkin is in the lineup. Unfortunately for the Avs, keeping their star winger healthy and available has proved to be a challenge ...

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 ...

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.

It felt for years like the Valeri Nichushkin saga would define Chris MacFarland’s era as Avalanche general manager. But last Friday’s blockbuster trade changed everything. It’s been more than 30 years since a deal of this magnitude was made this late into an NHL season.