The Olympic break was supposed to return the squad to full-health but the Colorado Avalanche have again endured a rash of injuries over the past couple weeks. Now embarking on a lengthy four-game east coast road trip, there’s optimism many of the following can return in the eight days while they are gone, which would be an improvement from the previous before playoffs timeline. Theres also the hope that other names aren’t added to the list in the process. Here are the Avalanche of injuries as we stand
today:
Logan O’Connor
Everyone’s favorite energy forward has been out all season recovering from hip surgery and then has been dealing with a soft tissue setback over the last couple of months. Since the Olympic break Logan O’Connor has skated with the team on a regular basis but wasn’t participating in any contact drills. He is apparently getting closer and might be the first player on this list to suit up again for the Avalanche. Jared Bednar indicated that O’Connor would likely just enter the lineup instead of go on a conditioning stint when he is deemed ready to play, which might be sometime next week.
Artturi Lehkonen
On March 2nd in Los Angeles, Artturi Lehkonen took an awkward hit up high and left the game early in the first period. Over the past week he has skated with the team some but considering he is recovering from an upper-body injury, his return may not be imminent.
Gabe Landeskog
It was wonderful to see the captain back in the Avalanche lineup following the Olympic break but unfortunately that return was short-lived. On March 6th in Dallas, Landeskog was hit in a private area on a shot by Cale Makar but finished the game with an assist and just shy of 23 minutes time on ice. Two days later it was a surprise to see him announced as out of the lineup and then the team indicated he would remain out week-to-week. Following the game Jared Bednar confirmed the lower-body injury in an “uncomfortable” area.
Ross Colton
It’s been a bit of a mystery as to what is ailing Ross Colton as he left the game against the Edmonton Oilers on March 10th but not before scoring a goal and then hasn’t been seen since. The injury isn’t considered serious, though it was never characterized as day-to-day or anything for that matter, but Colton hasn’t even skated since then. Bednar has said he took a shot and tightened up and is dealing with soreness. Colton should return soon but he’s now missed four games.
Out of the Infirmary
From our last installment of the Avalanche of Injuries: Devon Toews, Gabe Landeskog (briefly), Joel Kiviranta, and the Lumberyard tandem have all returned from the injured list.
