Cale Makar did not join the team for practice ... The organization was likely hopeful Valeri Nichushkin could re-enter the lineup against the Wild, but that seems unlikely. Nichushkin did join ...

The Colorado Avalanche remain without key forward Valeri Nichushkin, and that absence is going to continue for longer than expected.

DENVER — Cale Makar deflects not only shots but any mention of milestones ... Bednar said he's hopeful Makar plays Monday against Minnesota. ... Forward Valeri Nichushkin (lower body) skated with the team Sunday but didn't make it through the entire ...

DENVER (AP) — Cale Makar deflects not only shots but any ... he's hopeful Makar plays Monday against Minnesota. ... Forward Valeri Nichushkin (lower body) skated with the team Sunday but didn ...

The Blues are retooling around their young talent while trying to stay in the postseason picture. Their top three scorers -- Jordan Kyrou (21 goals, 21 assists), Dylan Holloway (16 goals, 22 assists) and Robert Thomas (12 goals, 24 assists) -- are age 26 and under.

Plus the Panthers’ declining rush game, extreme special teams in Vegas and a couple of goalies who are deserving of some recognition.

In an ongoing search for a center to play the third line, Faksa gets his shot Friday; Blues look to avoid fourth straight loss

The Colorado Avalanche (29-21-2) open a two-game homestand against the St. Louis Blues (23-24-4) on Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. MT. READ MORE: Rantanen Deal Signals Change: Why MacFarland Should Be Rewarded With Patience (+) Martin Necas and Jack Drury are set to make their home debuts with the Avs.

The dust is still settling on the deal that sent Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes. However, the question marks that still exist regarding Rantanen's future in the NHL (i.

Despite trading one of the NHL's scoring leaders and a franchise stalwart, MacFarland says the Avalanche are still "all-in."

Chris MacFarland pointed to Rantanen’s pending free agency and the club’s desire to get deeper after three years of being short in that department as reasons for the trade. The NHL’s salary cap ceiling, which is set at $88 million this year but is expected to rise — possibly significantly — in the next couple of seasons is also a factor.

A number of promising pickups are on waiver wires in fantasy hockey leagues. Here are players to add this week.