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

Forward Valeri Nichushkin suffered a setback in his return from a lower-body injury and doesn't figure to be back in the Colorado Avalanche lineup anytime soon.

The Colorado Avalanche’s injury woes continue as head coach Jared Bednar revealed Wednesday that forward Valeri Nichushkin has suffered a setback in his recovery from a lower-body injury.

According to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette, Colorado Avalanche left wing Valeri Nichushkin (lower body) is expected to remain sidelined through the 4 Nations break. Nichushkin has already been sidelined over the past 14 contests due to the injury he suffered on December 31.

Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had a setback in his rehab from a lower-body injury and is now considered week-to-week.

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had a setback in his rehab from a lower-body injury and is now considered week-to-week.

The Colorado Avalanche are a much better team when Valeri Nichushkin is in the lineup. Unfortunately for the Avs, keeping their star winger healthy and available has proved to be a challenge ...

The Colorado Avalanche should add Chicago Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall to the top-six ahead of the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline.

Forward Valeri Nichushkin suffered a setback in his return from a lower-body injury and doesn’t figure to be back in the Colorado Avalanche lineup anytime soon. Colorado coach Jared Bednar ...

Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin, top, celebrates Artturi Lehkonen's goal with teammates during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Utah Hockey Club, Friday, Dec. 27 ...

Jared Bednar has been known to rely heavily on his top forwards, often overplaying the top line to the point where some nights you wouldn't know the Avalanche were even dressing 12 forwards. That was not the case in Sunday's 5-4 win over the New York Rangers.

Though the Colorado Avalanche have already played a game (and lost to the Boston Bruins) since the NHL was rocked, they are still clearly recovering in the wake of the massive trade that saw forward Mikko Rantanen shipped to the Carolina Hurricanes.