The return of suspended Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin to practice Monday was sudden enough that teammate Mikko Rantanen did a little double-take when he spotted him on

The Avalanche began the season hampered with injuries ... I think it's going to help us," Avs forward Mikko Rantanen said on Nichushkin's return. "That's three elite forwards right there. That's going to help our team get on a roll a little bit and ...

For now, it’s practice only for Valeri Nichushkin, who remains in Stage 3 of the player assistance program and ineligible to play in games.

The return of suspended Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin to practice Monday was sudden enough that teammate Mikko Rantanen did a little double-take when he spotted him on the ice. Rantanen recovered with an ice breaker.