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

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.

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’s injury woes continue as head coach Jared Bednar revealed Wednesday that forward Valeri Nichushkin has suffered a setback in his recovery from a lower-body injury.

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.

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 St. Louis Blues visit the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night, and both teams are trying to break out of slumps.

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

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.

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has struggled to stay in the lineup this season. The 29-year-old missed the first 17 games due to a six-month ban that began in May for failing a drug test.

The Colorado Avalanche should add Chicago Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall to the top-six ahead of the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline.

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 ...