The Avs hope Valeri Nichushkin could play as soon as Wednesday, the first game of the homestand, against New Jersey. That would be the healthiest the team has been all year, with just defenseman Josh Manson missing from a Landeskog-less optimal lineup.

After a commanding 7-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar delivers a strong message to his NHL team. Discover what he said as the Avalanche gear up for the playoff race.

The Colorado Avalanche made a big splash at the trade deadline, acquiring veteran forward Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders in a four-player deal.

Cale Makar earned six points in the 7-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, setting a franchise record for most points in a game by a defenseman. The last time an NHL defenseman scored two goals and earned two assists was Paul Coffey 14,

Nathan MacKinnon won another award on Thursday, earning Most Valuable Player at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He led the tournament with four goals and scored in Team Canada’s 3-2 overtime win against Team USA in the final. The Avalanche will try to bounce back when they face the New Jersey Devils at home on Wednesday.

The Avalanche dropped their first two games after the 4 Nations Face-Off, and Cale Makar knows his team isn't sending the right message to Colorado's brass with the trade deadline less than two weeks away.