Avalanche Navigating Illness, Eyeing Reinforcements Ahead of Canucks Clash
Tuesday night’s matchup against the Vancouver Canucks has taken on a new layer of intrigue for the Colorado Avalanche - and not just because of the standings. With illness sweeping through the locker room and a key forward inching closer to a return, Colorado finds itself juggling adversity and anticipation heading into puck drop at Ball Arena.
Illness Hits the Core
The Avalanche are dealing with a sudden wave of sickness that’s sidelined some of their biggest names. Captain Gabriel Landeskog, superstar center Nathan MacKinnon, and forward Parker Kelly all missed Monday’s practice due to illness. And while that’s concerning on its own, MacKinnon’s situation is particularly noteworthy.
Despite battling symptoms since Saturday, MacKinnon still suited up and delivered a three-point night in Colorado’s 7-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. That’s not just playing through pain - that’s elite-level resilience. In today’s NHL, where the pace is relentless and the physical toll is unforgiving, putting up three points while under the weather is the kind of performance that reminds you why MacKinnon is in the MVP conversation year after year.
He’s not just powering through - he’s leading the league. MacKinnon currently tops the NHL in goals (20) and points (44), and his 24 assists trail only Connor McDavid’s 25.
That puts him squarely in the mix for a potential “Triple Crown” season - leading the league in goals, assists, and points. That hasn’t been done since Mario Lemieux in 1996, and if MacKinnon can stay healthy (or, apparently, even half-healthy), he’s got a real shot.
Landeskog’s Steady Return to Form
Landeskog’s situation is a bit different. After a long stretch of injury woes and inconsistent availability, the Avalanche captain has finally strung together some consistent hockey.
Over his last nine games, he’s posted four goals and four assists - a solid return that goes beyond the box score. He’s the emotional pulse of this team, and his presence is felt just as much in the locker room as it is on the ice.
If he’s unable to go against Vancouver, that’s a leadership void that’s hard to fill. The Avalanche have learned to navigate without him in recent years, but there’s no question the team is better - and more balanced - when No. 92 is in the lineup.
Parker Kelly: Energy Guy with a Twist
Then there’s Parker Kelly, who’s quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his high-energy play, surprising depth scoring, and, yes, his well-documented affinity for Taylor Swift’s Fate of Ophelia. Every team needs a guy who brings personality and spark to the room, and Kelly’s done just that. His status remains uncertain, but his absence would be another hit to Colorado’s bottom-six depth.
Nichushkin Nearing a Return
But it’s not all bad news for the Avs. There’s a significant boost potentially on the horizon: Valeri Nichushkin has shed the red non-contact jersey and went full-speed in practice, signaling a possible return to game action.
“He’s a possibility for tomorrow if he gets through today okay,” head coach Jared Bednar said.
Nichushkin looked solid in drills, though there were brief moments where he appeared a bit stiff - understandable given the layoff. He hasn’t played since November 6, when he suffered a lower-body injury blocking a shot in the third period of a 4-1 win over Anaheim. Before that, he had five goals and seven assists in 17 games - a steady contributor who brings size, skill, and two-way reliability.
His return, even in a limited capacity, would be a welcome sight for a team that’s been leaning heavily on its top line.
Injury Updates: O’Connor and Brindley
Logan O’Connor remains out with an undisclosed issue, though it’s not related to the hip surgery he had during the offseason. There’s no clear timetable yet, but his absence continues to test the team’s depth on the wing.
Meanwhile, rookie Gavin Brindley skated for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury against the Rangers on November 20. Known for his speed and quick first step, Brindley was clearly not at full throttle during the session. It’s a positive sign that he’s back on the ice, but he’s likely still a ways from returning to meaningful action.
What’s at Stake Tonight
The Avalanche enter Tuesday night’s game with the best record in the NHL (18-1-6), and they’ll look to keep that momentum rolling against a Canucks team that’s dropped two straight (10-13-3). Vancouver still has plenty of firepower, led by Quinn Hughes, but Colorado’s depth and top-end talent have been overwhelming opponents all season - even when the lineup isn’t at 100%.
Puck drops at 7 p.m. local time at Ball Arena, and all eyes will be on the Avalanche bench to see who’s ready to go. Whether it’s MacKinnon gutting it out again, Landeskog suiting up, or Nichushkin making his return, Colorado’s resilience continues to be one of the defining traits of this early-season powerhouse.