DENVER (CBS4) – This is a big week for the Colorado Avalanche as they’re still chasing a playoff spot.

The Avs play the next three games on the road in Canada and help is on the way. Matt Duchene was back at practice on Monday. It was his first practice in 6 weeks.

Duchene was wearing the “do not disturb” jersey, but he will make the trip and hopes to play sometime this week.

“He’s looking good; definitely, he’s so smooth out there. You can just tell, he’s just always has got a nice smile on his face. He’s happy to be back skating with us and hopefully be back soon,” forward Ryan O’Reilly said.

“I don’t know if he’s 7 to 10 days, 1 or 2 weeks, or whatever, but he’s feeling good, looks good out there,” forward Paul Stastny said. “It just brings a little bit more life back to this team.”

The Avs take on the Vancouver Canucks Wednesday at 8 p.m.