Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin involved in car crash, misses game

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin didn’t play against the Washington Capitals on Monday afternoon.

And there’s a good and scary reason why.

After the Avs dispatched Washington 5-2, head coach Jared Bednar revealed Nichushkin was involved in a car crash on his way to Ball Arena.

Valeri Nichushkin was in a car accident on the way to the game and that's why he missed. He was checked out at the arena and they determined he wasn't good enough to play, but they'll check him out again tomorrow.

Sustained minor injuries.

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) January 20, 2026

Ultimately, it’s good news that Nichushkin was able to get to the arena and be checked out by the Avalanche’s medical staff. That’s certainly a lot better than going to the hospital in an ambulance.

It’s also encouraging that his injuries were “minor” and he’ll be looked at again on Tuesday. Colorado wants Nichushkin in the lineup, but his health is obviously way more important.

In 38 games so far this year, Nichushkin has 11 goals and 16 assists, good for 27 points. The Avalanche are already without captain Gabriel Landeskog and Devon Toews, among others, so they’ll welcome back Nichushkin as soon as possible.

It’s an update no one wants to hear, but luckily it sounds like while the situation with Nichushkin is serious, it could’ve been far worse.

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