The Daily: McDavid Skating; Nichushkin Returns Nov. 15

Valeri Nichushkin practiced with the Colorado Avalanche for the first time this season. He will be reinstated on Nov. 15.

Nichushkin was removed from the team on May 13.  He was placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

“I think it’s a relief for him. He’s been skating by himself for months now. So anytime you can rejoin a group, it’s always a lot of fun to get some real passes and some game like situations. So it’s good to see him out there,” Colorado defenseman Cale Makar said.

The Avalanche haven’t played as well as they had hoped to start the 2024-25 season.

Val Nichushkin hits the ice for Avalanche practice. pic.twitter.com/rHO3vHYxEd

— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) November 4, 2024

“Nichushkin’s absence has been a huge loss to the team but the players have welcomed him back despite the timing of his departure in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season,” CHN’s Colleen Flynn wrote. “The leaders on the team know what an asset he is to win games and that’s what they are focused on.

Meanwhile, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid skated Monday for the first time since he injured his ankle on Oct. 28. McDavid will be out two to three weeks. He told the media after the skate that he was pleased with how the ankle felt.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit forward Tyler Motte unhappy about the hit that put him on the injured list.

Last season, Amadeus Lombardi had five goals in 70 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins. This year, he has five goals and 10 games.

Paywall story: Jonathan Berggren is getting shots on goal, scoring chances and praise from his coach. What he’s not getting is points. Coach Derek Lalonde believes the points will start to come. If you want to subscribe to read this story, click here.

Red Wings Extra

GM Steve Yzerman’s squad on Wednesday when they play the Blackhawks in Chicago. The Blackhawks (5-7-1) have won three of their last four on the road.  Former Red Wings player Tyler Bertuzzi has shaken off his slow start to register two goals and a plus-three rating over the past three games. 

Hockey Now Network

Boston: David Pastrnak accepts his coaches criticism of his play. He says needs to be better. Boston Bruins.

Montreal: Key prospect Joshua Roy make a strong case to be promoted to the Hab. Montreal Canadiens,

Philadelphia: Why the Flyers traded a formesr top defenseman prospect to the Edmonton Oilers. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes that the Penguins aren’t quite dead. Yet. He thinks it is too early to write them off. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Macklin Celebrini’s hip is improved. He will play tonight at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets. San Jose Sharks.