Corey Masisak

What a year this month has been for the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs knew they would be shorthanded to start the 2024-25 season, with three key forwards unavailable until November at the earliest.

Just when it seemed like the Colorado Avalanche's injury situation couldn't get worse, it did.

DENVER — Just when it seemed like the Colorado Avalanche's injury situation couldn't get worse, it did.

For 54 minutes Wednesday night, the severely shorthanded Colorado Avalanche played about as well as expected, considering the circumstances.

For 54 minutes Wednesday night, the severely shorthanded Colorado Avalanche played about as well as expected, considering the circumstances.

For 54 minutes Wednesday night, the severely shorthanded Colorado Avalanche played about as well as expected, considering the circumstances.

Both star forwards are averaging fewer shot attempts, shots on goal per game this year

Not overplaying the Avs’ best players now could pay dividends later in the season.

Nichushkin was cleared to practice Monday with the Avs and was on the ice with the team at Family Sports Center. He remains in Stage 3 of the NHL-NHLPA Player Assistance program and isn't eligible to apply for full reinstatement until the middle of this month. He has been skating and working out on his own away from the team for a few weeks.

Artturi Lehkonen will make his season debut Tuesday, and the Avs expect Valeri Nichushkin back Nov. 15