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Stars’ Nichushkin (hip) nearing return

Dallas Stars v Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 5: Valeri Nichushkin #43 of the Dallas Stars skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on December 5, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Stars 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Claus Andersen

When Dallas Stars forward Valeri Nichushkin returns to the lineup is now up to the 20-year-old.

Nichushkin, who has been out of the Stars’ lineup since November recovering from hip surgery, continues to practice with the team, but recently had a minor setback.

“It’s his timetable now…when he feels good enough,” Stars’ coach Lindy Ruff said. “We thought we had him close a few days ago, but with the harder practices, he was starting to feel sore and we kind of backed off a little bit. He’s skating really well. It’s just when it reaches that point when he feels he is going to be good enough to play.”

Nichushkin has appeared in just four games this season.

Last season he registered 14 goals and 34 points in 79 games with the Stars.

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