Hailey
Hockey fans were surprised when Valeri Nichushkin was not seen on the ice during the Colorado Avalanche’s latest game. The star forward missed Monday night’s match against the Washington Capitals after being involved in a car accident while driving to the arena.
While the accident was not life-threatening, the team decided to keep him out as a safety step. This incident adds to a difficult season for Nichushkin, who has already missed several games due to injuries and other issues.
What Happened to Valeri Nichushkin?
According to team officials, Nichushkin was involved in a minor car accident on his way to the rink before the game. The accident happened because of icy road conditions caused by overnight snowfall, which led to a multi-vehicle collision.
Coach Confirms Minor Injuries
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed after the game that Nichushkin suffered minor injuries. He was checked by medical staff, and there was no serious concern.
“Everything seems to be OK,” Bednar said.
“Just not good enough to play tonight. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”
The coach described the incident as a “fender bender”, but serious enough to keep Nichushkin out of the lineup as a precaution.
Why Did the Avalanche Sit Him Out?
Even though the injuries were minor, the team decided not to take any risks. In the NHL, player safety comes first, especially when dealing with accidents involving the head, neck, or lower body.
Keeping Nichushkin out was a precautionary decision, not a long-term injury concern.
Nichushkin’s Season So Far
This season has been stop-start for the 30-year-old forward. Before the accident, Nichushkin had already missed eight games due to a lower-body injury.
Nichushkin’s 2024-25 Performance
| Stat Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 16 |
| Total Points | 27 |
| Games Missed | 8+ |
Last season, Nichushkin also faced major setbacks. In May, he was suspended for at least six months and entered Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which caused him to miss the playoffs for the second straight year due to off-ice issues.
Avalanche Call Up Alex Barré-Boulet
With Nichushkin unavailable, the Avalanche quickly called up Alex Barré-Boulet from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.
Barré-Boulet made a 60-mile drive from Loveland, Colorado, just in time for the game. He made an immediate impact by recording an assist on Parker Kelly’s opening goal.
This assist marked his first NHL point since the 2023-24 season when he played for Tampa Bay.
Avalanche Facing Multiple Injuries
Nichushkin’s absence adds to a growing list of injured players for Colorado.
Current Avalanche Injury List
- Gabriel Landeskog – Upper-body injury
- Devon Toews – Upper-body injury
- Joel Kiviranta – Lower-body injury
- Logan O’Connor – Recovering from offseason hip surgery
Despite these challenges, the Avalanche continue to dominate the league.
Nathan MacKinnon Leads the Way
The Avalanche still hold the best record in the NHL at 34-5-8, thanks largely to superstar Nathan MacKinnon.
Against Washington, MacKinnon:
- Scored two goals
- Added one assist
- Reached 1,100 career points
This milestone puts him alongside franchise legend Joe Sakic as the only players in team history to reach that mark.
Coach Bednar praised MacKinnon’s consistency and leadership, saying there are no signs of him slowing down.
Valeri Nichushkin’s car accident was an unexpected moment in an already challenging season, but the good news is that his injuries appear to be minor. The Avalanche made the right call by keeping him out as a safety measure.
Even with multiple key players missing, Colorado continues to show why they are one of the strongest teams in the NHL. With Nathan MacKinnon in top form and young players stepping up, the Avalanche remain a serious championship threat while fans wait for Nichushkin’s safe return.