The Colorado Avalanche head into training camp with some holes to fill — and some feelings to mend down the road.

Open arms lead to broken hearts. The Avalanche held their media day Wednesday and if their power play is as on point as their messaging, the city should start planning a downtown parade in June. Val Nichushkin’s availability continues to hold this proud franchise hostage.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar shares the latest update on Valeri Nichushkin's future on the eve of Training Camp.

During the last playoffs, Valeri Nichuskin was placed (for the third time in a short period of time) on the NHL’s assistance program. At the time, we all wondered if his NHL career was over for logical reasons.

The Colorado Avalanche are committed to Valeri Nichushkin upon the conclusion of his six-month NHL suspension. Coach Jared Bednar and select players discussed their upcoming season on Wednesday at The Inverness Denver hotel.

It felt like déjà vu at media day for the Colorado Avalanche. A year ago, the most pressing questions for the Avs’ top players and coach Jared Bednar were about Valeri Nichushkin, after he left the team during its first-round playoff exit against the Seattle Kraken.

During media availabilities today, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was questioned on the return of forward Val Nichushkin and stated Nichushkin