Avalanche’s Valeri Nichushkin out vs. New York Rangers with lower-body injury

Colorado Avalanche top-six forward Valeri Nichushkin is dealing with a lower-body injury and will not play Thursday night against the New York Rangers, coach Jared Bednar confirmed after morning skate.

Nichushkin is considered “day-to-day" for a possible return, Bednar said.

The Avs near the postseason with Nichushkin playing a significant role over nine wins in the past 10 games. He logged six goals and four assists over that span. Nichushkin’s strong play coincided with his exit from the NHLPA player’s assistance program.

The Avalanche should benefit from bolstered forward depth at the trade deadline, specifically from Brandon Duhaime and Yakov Trenin, with physicality to help absorb Nichushkin’s absence in games. But it’s difficult to replicate what he brings on a nightly basis, especially on the power play, with 15 goals this season.

Nichushkin has declined interview requests since returning from the player’s assistance program.

“It feels like (Nichushkin) is in a pretty good mental state right now,” teammate Alexandar Georgiev told The Denver Gazette earlier this week. "He missed so much time and came back. He’s scoring those big overtime goals right away. Huge player. Just incredible skill, incredibly smart and works so hard. I’m happy that he’s doing much better now. Hopefully, he just keeps getting better and better."