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.

The Colorado Avalanche remain strong contenders for the Stanley Cup after trading Mikko Rantanen and acquiring Martin Necas and Jack Drury. With $4.76 million in cap space, GM Chris MacFarland is expected to make significant moves before the trade deadline,