Jared Bednar expects Nichushkin and Landeskog to return at some point this season

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told the media he expects team captain Gabriel Landeskog and winger Valeri Nichushkin to return at some point this upcoming season.

Denver 7 covered the Colorado Avalanche’s media availability on Wednesday, quoting Bednar:

“We’re expecting him back.”

Landeskog has been sorely missed for the last two seasons, leaving a gaping hole in the Avs’ top six. While Landeskog may not blow up the scoresheet right away, his return as captain will be crucial in helping the Avalanche return to their Stanley Cup identity from 2022.

Meanwhile, Bednar addressed Nichushkin’s return, stating:

“Time heals all wounds. We want him back and healthy, and ready to participate with us, as soon as the league says so. And, we want to do everything we can on our side to make that happen.”

Bednar’s comments point toward the team hanging on to Nichushkin, even if his return could throw the Avs’ salary cap situation into a frenzy.

Nevertheless, the Colorado Avalanche could certainly use a healthy and productive Nichushkin. He could easily slot alongside Casey Mittelstadt on the second line, instantly making that line one of the most dangerous in the NHL.

As for when Nichushkin could be back, it’s tough to tell. He is eligible for a return in mid-November. However, the league needs to clear his eligibility to return. Then, it would be a matter of determining if Nichushkin is in game shape or may need some time in the AHL as part of a conditioning stint.

Overall, the return of both Landeskog and Nichushkin should give the Avs a huge boost.

Landeskog and Nichushkin destined for the second-line

There is no doubt that both Landeskog and Nichushkin are top-six forwards when healthy and productive. If both players return to their previous forms, they could easily form a new-look second line alongside Mittelstadt.

However, if they don’t return to form, the Avs may consider dropping one or both into the bottom six. That scenario is possible in Landeskog’s case. Even with a surgically repaired knee, there’s no telling if Landeskog can return to form. Thus, he may need to slide down to the third line, for instance, in order to play a meaningful role.

In Nichushkin’s case, his role could depend on the team’s specific needs. That situation means that Nichushkin could get a look in the bottom six before making his way to the top six. Unfortunately, Nichushkin has become somewhat of a wildcard at this point.

The Avs won’t really know what they have in Nichushkin until he hits the ice. Of course, everyone hopes he can succeed once he’s back. But being realistic, there’s no telling how long it would take him to get back into shape, if ever at all.

Ultimately, we don’t really know how Landeskog and Nichushkin will pan out upon their returns. Hopefully, they both hit the ground running. But then again, the long layoff could have lingering effects.