The Colorado Avalanche (33-24-2) begin a crucial six-game homestand against the New Jersey Devils (32-21-6). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:38 p.m. MT. READ MORE: NHL Trade Deadline 2025: Desperate For Depth Scoring — Avalanche Trade Board 3.

The wait for Valeri Nichushkin continues. Colorado's big Russian winger took part in most of practice on Friday before the team flew to Nashville, but with about five minutes left in the skate, he went to the locker room before the rest of his teammates.

Valeri Nichushkin made an immediate impact in his return to the Avalanche lineup on Wednesday, and our NHL player prop picks expect more of the same vs. the Wild on Friday night.