DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche will be missing their top goal scorer, Ross Colton, for a minimum of six weeks after he suffered a broken foot while blocking a shot.
Compounding their difficulties, the Avalanche will also be without forward Miles Wood for about a week due to an upper-body injury. This unfortunate trend of injuries continues to challenge the team, which is already missing key players such as Jonathan Drouin (upper body), captain Gabriel Landeskog (knee), and Artturi Lehkonen (shoulder). Additionally, Valeri Nichushkin is expected to remain sidelined until at least mid-November because of a suspension.
In light of these challenges, coach Jared Bednar has decided to shift defenseman Oliver Kylington to a forward role for Wednesday night’s match against Tampa Bay.
“The players need to concentrate on performing their roles to the best of their abilities each night,” Bednar remarked. “Frustration could arise from the situation not aligning with our expectations when everyone is healthy. Still, the fundamental details of our game remain constant.”
He emphasized the importance of developing sustainable habits to ensure long-term success, noting that adding players back to the lineup should improve their overall game.
Colton’s injury occurred during a 5-2 defeat against Chicago when he attempted to block a shot. He initially tried to continue playing but ultimately left the game. This injury is particularly impactful for a line that featured both Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Colton started the season impressively, leading the team with eight goals in ten games and contributing heavily on special teams with four power-play goals.
“Colts was in great form,” defenseman Josh Manson expressed. “This injury is tough, especially because it happened during a selfless play for the team. It’s a real setback.”
Manson also mentioned that the team had a meeting to emphasize focusing on the present roster. “At the end of the day, it comes down to our work ethic, regardless of who’s in or out of the lineup,” he stated.
Regarding Lehkonen, Bednar mentioned that he recently had an appointment with his doctor and that the team might soon have a clearer timeline for his return. According to Bednar, Lehkonen will need a few practice sessions involving contact to regain his form.
“Each season, it seems we go through a period where we struggle to fill a lineup of 20 players,” said Bednar, acknowledging the recent injuries. “What makes this situation distinctive is that it is happening right at the start of the season. Just when we think we might be getting some players back, we end up losing a few more.”
He added that injuries are a common occurrence throughout the season and emphasized the importance of not letting too many injuries accumulate simultaneously. “This is precisely our current predicament, and we must fight through it,” he remarked.
In other news, goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, who was recently claimed on waivers from Winnipeg, was expected to start in goal for Wednesday’s game. Kahkonen has played in two games for the Colorado Eagles, the AHL affiliate, with an average of 2.57 goals against per game.