The Colorado Avalanche have stumbled out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break, but they may get a key player back when they host the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night.

Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and two assists as the Colorado Avalanche beat the New Jersey Devils 5-1 in Denver on Wednesday night.

It’s a years-long trend since he arrived in Denver and had a breakout season when the Avs won the Stanley Cup. Just in the years since the title, Colorado is 89-30-10 during the regular season when Nichushkin plays and 46-43-6 when he doesn’t.

Valeri Nichushkin is going to return Wednesday night against the New Jersey Devils. He’s been out since Dec. 31 with a lower-body injury. He’s expected to start on the second line and the second power-play unit.

DENVER (AP) — Valeri Nichushkin returns to the Colorado Avalanche lineup ... back from the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The game against the New Jersey Devils will be Nichushkin’s first since Dec. 31. “You can't underestimate how ...

The Avalanche are preparing to welcome Valeri Nichushkin back into their lineup for the first time since late December.

The Avalanche are getting Valeri Nichushkin back on Wednesday, head coach Jared Bednar announced during his weekly radio segment. The 29-year-old forward has missed every game since the calendar turned to 2025.

The Colorado Avalanche are finally back home on Wednesday after most of the team got some much-needed rest during the Four Nations Faceoff break. Wednesday's game kicks off a six-game homestand, then the Avalanche will head back on the road on March 11th.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, left, is congratulated after scoring a goal by left wing Artturi Lehkonen, back right, and center Martin Necas in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) AP

Colorado Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar told the media that Valeri Nichushkin, who hasn't played since December 31st, is a potential option for Wednesday's game against the New Jersey Devils. Nichushkin was seen in a second-line sweater (maroon) at Tuesday's practice,