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Avalanche reveal reason why Valeri Nichushkin wasn't in their lineup tonight


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Jack Sutherland
January 19, 2026  (8:54 PM)
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Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena.
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

After Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was announced as a late scratch for today's game against the Washington Capitals, they're now saying why, as he sustained minor injuries in a car accident.

The Colorado Avalanche beat the Washington Capitals 5-2 today, but they did not have forward Valeri Nichushkin available to them.
He was announced as a late scratch for the game, and now the reason is being revealed. He was involved in a car accident on his way to the game, and sustained minor injuries, but they were enough to prevent him from playing.
Per Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, Nichushkin eventually did arrive at Ball Arena and was checked out by the team medical staff, and he was held out for precautionary reasons.
He got in a car wreck on the way to the rink, to the game. He had some minor injuries, came to the rink, got checked out, and everything seems to be okay, just not good enough to play, just a little bit of a precautionary day, and we'll see what tomorrow brings for him.»

It was a fender bender, but serious enough to keep him out of the lineup today. The roads were icy when the guys were coming in this morning and slick, and there was a multiple vehicle accident. - Jared Bednar

Right now, there's been no word if Nichushkin will be able to play in Colorado's next game.
So far this year, he has 27 points (11G, 16A) in 38 games.

Valeri Nichushkin Has Experienced Numerous Problems With The Avalanche

Nichushkin has had his share of problems off the ice during his time with the Avalanche, including a highly-publicized incident that took place in the 2023 postseason while his team was playing the Seattle Kraken.
He was also suspended for six months before the start of last season for his second violation of the NHL's Player Assistance Program.
In 593 career NHL games, Nichushkin has 335 points (148G, 187A).
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Avalanche reveal reason why Valeri Nichushkin wasn't in their lineup tonight

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