Val Nichushkin's Injury Will Once Again Test the Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche face a major challenge as Valeri Nichushkin suffers a lower-body injury set to sideline him for “some time.” Can the Avalanche maintain their elite win percentage without this dynamic forward? Chris Micieli and Zach Pearson spotlight Nichushkin’s outsized impact, discussing shocking win-loss splits with and without him since 2019 and exploring potential lineup replacements, including Gabe Landeskog, Gavin Brindley, and Logan O’Connor (eventually). Will Colorado’s “next man up” mentality keep the team rolling, or is a rough stretch ahead?   The conversation heats up with insights into Gavin Brindley’s new contract extension and what his high-ceiling play means for the Avalanche’s future. Roster flexibility, bottom-six shakeups, and the looming Buffalo Sabres matchup set the stage for crucial tests ahead. Get the latest predictions, waiver-wire moves, and a full breakdown of coaching tactics—all as the Avalanche fight to stay atop the Western Conference.   00:00 Missing Val's Impact Deeply 05:02 Avalanche's Resilience Through Challenges 07:51 Lineup Shuffle Suggestions 09:29 Nichuskin’s Persistent Injury Concerns 15:12 Brindley Extension 16:14 Bridge or Extend Decision 26:42 Buffalo Sabres' Overtime Struggles   Subscribe to our Subtext to talk to us directly! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonavalanche   Everything Locked on Avalanche: https://solo.to/lopn_avalanche   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…   🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAvalanche?sid=YouTube   Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL     Follow on X:   Chris: https://twitter.com/c__micieli Zach: https://twitter.com/XavierSuperfly Show Page: https://twitter.com/LOPN_Avalanche   #NHL #coloradoavalanche   _____________________________________________________________ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DripDrop Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order.   Go to https://dripdrop.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNHL. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.   Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.