CENTENNIAL, Colo. —  The injury bug has avoided the major injury bug this season for the Colorado Avalanche. They have gotten their captain, Gabriel Landeskog, back. He has played in every game since his return to the regular season. Colorado is very close to the return of forward Logan O’Connor and defenseman Samuel Girard. So, players are grinding their gears and prepping to get ready for their season to start. But the Avalanche may have taken a major blow to the lineup on Tuesday night during the third period.

Forward Valerie Nichushkin played only two shifts in the third period during Tuesday’s contest against the Anaheim Ducks. He departed the game because of a lower-body injury, not returning, though he secured an assist beforehand. According to Mile High Sports’ reporter Colleen Flynn, Nichushkin was not at the practice facility on Wednesday to get additional imaging. She also said that coach Jared Bednar mentioned Nichushkin will “miss some time. ”

Last season, Nichushkin missed 39 games between his suspension and an injury. The NHL suspended him for six months for violating Stage Three of the Player Assistance Program. He then suffered a lower-body injury on New Year’s Eve that took him out for nearly two months.

His style of play benefits the entire team when he is on the ice. He provides constant forecheck and backcheck on the opponent that wears them down. His nickname “Chu Chu” not only comes from his last name, but the way he drives to the net like a train. Colorado will have to call-up someone to fill his role on the bottom-six and some considerations might be Taylor Makar and Tristen Nielsen. Makar possesses the stature for gameplay akin to Nichushkin, yet requires refinement. While Nielsen exhibits the capacity to be a two-way forward with his speed, his stature may be an impediment. Regardless, a lengthy injury to Nichushkin is unwelcome for the Avalanche right now.