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Colorado Avalanche News
Nichuskin (personal) will not return to the Avalanche' lineup on Monday after practicing in full but is nearing a return.

Nichushkin has not played since January 10th before entering the NHL's Player Assistance program. He has missed 18 games and, despite returning to practice last week, will miss at least one more as he reacclimates to the team and conditioning. Before his absence, Nichushkin was scoring at a torrid pace with 21 points (19G / 9A) in his last 15 games.

Valeri Nichushkin
Colorado has traded Kurtis MacDermid to New Jersey for a 2024 seventh-round pick and Zakhar Bardakov.

Colorado cleared up $775,000 in cap space a week before the trade deadline as they traded Kurtis MacDermid for Zakhar Bardakov and a 2024 seventh-round pick. The Avalanche acquired Bardakov, a 23-year-old winger who was drafted in the 2021 seventh round (203rd overall). He currently skating with SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) and had six goals and 12 points in 51 games with them this season.

Zakhar Bardakov
Blackwood (undisclosed) has been placed on Injured Reserve.

Blackwood had a perfect game going on Tuesday night, saving all 13 shots he faced, but exited late in the first period with an undisclosed injury in an eventual 7-2 loss to his former club, the New Jersey Devils. The Sharks have not provided a concrete update on Blackwood's status, but he will be out of the lineup for at least the next week as he has been placed on IR. Magnus Chrona has been recalled from the San Jose Baracuda (AHL) to back up Kaapo Kahkonen in the interim.

Mackenzie Blackwood
Blackwood suffered an undisclosed injury on Tuesday and did not return.

Blackwood had a perfect game going, saving all 13 shots he faced, but exited late in the first period on Tuesday with an undisclosed injury in an eventual 7-2 loss to his former club, the New Jersey Devils. The Sharks should provide an update on Blackwood's status ahead of their next game on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks.

Mackenzie Blackwood
Nichuskin (personal) has cleared the Player Assistance program but will not travel on Colorado's upcoming two-game road trip.

Nichushkin has not played since January 10th before entering the NHL's Player Assistance program. He has missed 17 games and, despite returning to practice on Monday, will miss at least two more as he reaclimates to the team. Before his absence, Nichushkin was scoring at a torrid pace with 21 points (19G / 9A) in his last 15 games.

Valeri Nichushkin
Wedgewood will start on Monday vs. the Islanders.

On the front end of a back-to-back, the Stars will turn to Wedgweood between the pipes. Wedgewood has not recorded a victory in over a month but has played well in losing efforts lately, including saving 18 of 19 shots entering a 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators last week in relief of Jake Oettinger. Wedgewood and the Stars were defeated 3-2 in overtime against the New York Islanders last month, but they enter action as -158 home favourites on Monday night.

Scott Wedgewood
Wedgewood was in the starter's net at Monday's morning skate.

On the front end of a back-to-back, the Stars will turn to Wedgweood between the pipes. Wedgewood has not recorded a victory in over a month but has played well in losing efforts lately, including saving 18 of 19 shots entering a 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators last week in relief of Jake Oettinger. Wedgewood and the Stars were defeated 3-2 in overtime against the New York Islanders last month, but they enter action as -158 home favourites on Monday night.

Scott Wedgewood
Smith (lower body) will be a game-time decision on Saturday vs. Nashville.

Smith has been out since December 21st due to a lower-body injury but could return to the Sharks' lineup on Saturday after being activated off Injured Reserve earlier this week. The 25-year-old bruising right winger will provide some much-needed grit into the Sharks' lineup with his one goal, two assists, 27 SOG, 33 PIM and -4 plus/minus through 26 games before the injury.

Givani Smith