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Colorado Avalanche News
Nichushkin (groin/hip) was back at Stars' practice on Monday.

Nichushkin has missed the last six games with groin/hip injuries, but was back on the ice this morning. Despite returning to practice, Nichushkin skated on the Stars 'fifth-line' which suggests he is nearing a return, but it will not be on Tuesday vs. St. Louis. After tomorrow, Dallas is off until Friday, that seems like a more realistic return date.

Valeri Nichushkin
Nichushkin (groin) will "sit for about a week" said Stars GM Jim Nill.

Nichushkin, 19, has been dealing with the nagging injury for about six weeks and it has not improved, so the Stars will shut him down for "about a week" and let it heal. With Nichushkin out, Colton Sceviour got a chance on the Stars top line on Tuesday and produced one assist, three shots and a plus-3 rating. The Stars believe there is a seven to 10 day window before Nichushkin rejoins the team for practice.

Valeri Nichushkin
Nichushkin (illness) back on the Stars' top-line this morning.

Nichushkin had been feeling under the weather the last few days which prompted the Stars to have him practice on the fourth line with Colton Sceviour taking his spot on the top-line. Nichushkin was shifted back to the right wing with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin and should be there for the season opener tomorrow. He has a ton of size and skill and two awesome linemates, all things point towards a huge year for Nichushkin.

Valeri Nichushkin
Burns will return to the blue line in time for the start of the 2014-15 season.

Burns put up good numbers in his first full NHL season as a forward, scoring 48 points in 69 games (22G / 26A). He was, however, a streaky player, at one point going 19 games between goals and adding just two goals and one assist in seven playoff games while playing on Joe Thornton’s wing. “That size, the strength, the shot – you just saw Montreal with a guy that’s a bit of a wild stallion go and make plays,” GM Doug Wilson said, referring to P.K Subban. “Burnzie, to us, is that type of ingredient that we need, so that will be taking place.”

Brent Burns
Helm (concussion) will be a game-time decision on Saturday.

Helm confirmed that he would be in the lineup tomorrow afternoon, but Mike Babcock was less committal about Helm playing. Coach Babcock said that Helm will take pre-game warmups and then they will see how Helm feels before deciding if he plays. He would centre the fourth line with Cory Emmerton and Landon Ferraro on his wings with Teemu Pulkkinen taking a seat.

Darren Helm
Helm (concussion) is expecting to return to the Red Wings lineup next week.

Helm participated in his first team practice since getting concussed this morning. Helm acknowledged that it is difficult to put a timeframe on a concussion, but hopes to be back next week. Look for him to return on Tuesday vs. the Maple Leafs or Thursday vs. the Penguins.

Darren Helm
Nathan MacKinnon will put his 13-game point streak on the line Saturday.

MacKinnon's current 12-game point streak broke Wayne Gretzky's record for longest point-streak in NHL history for an 18-year-old. Over the 12-game streak he has five goals and 12 assists (17 points) as he continues to pace all rookies with 51 points (22G / 29A) in 63 games, which is 12 more than second place Tyler Johnson (39).

Nathan MacKinnon
MacKinnon (illness) is back at Avalanche practice after missing Monday's practice.

MacKinnon's return to practice this afternoon suggests that he will be in the lineup on Wednesday vs. Los Angeles. To be safe, Monitor his status following Wednesday's morning skate. In weekly leagues, it appears as if he should be safe to deploy.

Nathan MacKinnon