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Colorado Avalanche News
Nichushkin (lower-body) skated on Wednesday but is still at least a week away from returning.

Nichushkin has not played since December 31st and has missed seven straight games. Originally given a day-to-day timeline, Nichushkin, and the Avalanche have been patient with his recovery and have not rushed his return to the lineup. The 29-year-old winger has 11 goals and six assists in 21 games this season.

Valeri Nichushkin
Polin is expected to make his season debut on Tuesday vs. New York.

Polin is an undrafted product of Western Michigan University. The 25-year-old made his NHL debut last season, scoring one goal in seven games. He has spent the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL, scoring nine points (7G / 2A) in 21 games with the Colorado Eagles.

Jason Polin
Blackwood will start vs. New York on Tuesday.

Colorado will turn to Blackwood between the pipes on Tuesday against the New York Rangers. Blackwood was solid in his most recent outing, saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) despite a 3-0 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The 28-year-old netminder has been excellent since joining Colorado last month, posting a superb 1.66 GAA and .939 SV% in 11 games (8-2-1). Colorado enters Tuesday's contest as -157 home favorites against a New York team with points in four straight (3-0-1).

Mackenzie Blackwood
Blackwood is expected to start vs. New York on Tuesday.

Colorado will likely turn to Blackwood between the pipes on Tuesday against the New York Rangers. Blackwood was solid in his most recent outing, saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) despite a 3-0 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The 28-year-old netminder has been excellent since joining Colorado last month, posting a superb 1.66 GAA and .939 SV% in 11 games (8-2-1). Colorado enters Tuesday's contest as -157 home favorites against a New York team with points in four straight (3-0-1).

Mackenzie Blackwood
Polin has been recalled from the Colorado Eagles (AHL).

Polin is an undrafted product of Western Michigan University. The 25-year-old made his NHL debut last season, scoring one goal in seven games. He has spent the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL, scoring nine points (7G / 2A) in 21 games with the Colorado Eagles.

Jason Polin
Blackwood led the Avalanche onto the ice for warmups.

On the tail end of a back-to-back, Blackwood is expected return to the crease on Thursday in a divisional matchup against the Minnesota Wild. Blackwood has an impressive 2.58 GAA and .917 SV% in 28 games this season (13-10-4). Even more remarkable, the 28-year-old Blackwood has been sensational since joining Colorado, boasting an absurd 1.69 GAA and .938 SV% in nine appearances (7-1-1).

Mackenzie Blackwood
Drouin (upper-body) will be out on Wednesday when Colorado takes on Chicago.

Drouin played 21:50 time-on-ice in Colorado's most recent game, a 3-1 win over the Florida Panthers, but will not play on Wednesday due to an upper-body injury. The 29-year-old Drouin has battled through an injury played 2024-25 season. That said, he has been productive in limited action, scoring eight points (3G / 5A) in nine games.

Jonathan Drouin
Blackwood is expected to start in Minnesota on Thursday.

On the tail end of a back-to-back, Blackwood is expected return to the crease on Thursday in a divisional matchup against the Minnesota Wild. Blackwood has an impressive 2.58 GAA and .917 SV% in 28 games this season (13-10-4). Even more remarkable, the 28-year-old Blackwood has been sensational since joining Colorado, boasting an absurd 1.69 GAA and .938 SV% in nine appearances (7-1-1).

Mackenzie Blackwood