As the Colorado Avalanche prepare for their upcoming training camp, they are faced not only with several voids on their roster but also with a damaged relationship that needs to be mended. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar spoke to the media on the sidelines of camp Wednesday evening, expressing uncertainty about when team captain Gabriel Landeskog and forward Artturi Lehkonen will be able to return to the lineup.
Landeskog and Lehkonen sidelined, Nichushkin suspended
Landeskog is recovering from a knee injury, while Lehkonen is recovering from shoulder surgery. Adding to the roster challenges, forward Val Nichushkin is suspended until mid-November. Bednar intends to address these issues directly with the team, both now and despite Nichushkin’s return.
Nichushkin’s suspension and future with the Avalanche
Nichushkin, a talented Russian forward, was out for a second straight season last May due to off-ice issues. After being suspended for six months without pay and not being included in the third stage of the league’s player assistance program, his future in this team is unclear. The suspension was announced before Game 4 of the Avalanche’s series against the Dallas Stars, a game that saw them trail 3-1 in the second-round series.
Bednar’s Plan: Healing and Growth
Bednar believes in healing and growth, saying, “Time heals all wounds”. He plans to confront his team about the importance of effort, attitude, and commitment, especially because of Nichushkin’s past actions. Nichushkin’s personal problems make things difficult, but Bednar is confident in his ability to grow and his important role in the team. Bednar also said the team is still waiting for more information from the league about Nichushkin’s training schedule.
Nichushkin’s Past and Future
Nichushkin’s sudden departure during the 2023 first-round playoff series against Seattle marked another low point in his career. He missed the final five games of the postseason, contributing to the Avalanche’s series loss. Despite these issues, Nichushkin remains under contract with the Avalanche through the 2029-30 season, having signed an eight-year, $49 million contract in 2022.
Hope Amid Challenges: The Return of Landeskog and Lehkonen
The Avalanche are eagerly awaiting the return of Landeskog, who has missed two consecutive seasons with a nagging knee injury that required cartilage replacement surgery. His final game was a game-winning one, helping the Avalanche secure the Stanley Cup against Tampa Bay in the 2022 Finals. Bednar is optimistic about Landeskog’s progress but refuses to set a definite date for his return.
The team is equally patient with Lehkonen, preferring to give him enough time to recover. As the Avalanche navigate this challenging preseason, they remain positive and committed to supporting their teammates and building a strong future.
