Avalanche News

WESTERN CENTRAL

Logan O'Connor • RW • Avalanche

Logan O'Connor Still Not Ready for Season Debut

Colorado Avalanche right wing Logan O'Connor (hip) is expected to remain out for at least 1-2 more weeks, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports. After he had offseason hip surgery, O'Connor was close to making his season debut in November. Currently, he is dealing with a new issue. "His hips are good," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told reporters on Friday. "It's just something that came up when he was getting back on the ice and something he's been dealing with and he wants to get it fixed and feel right before he gets back, understandable." O'Connor has had four consecutive 20-point campaigns as a bottom-six forward in Colorado. Meanwhile, Bednar had good news regarding another bottom-six piece, Joel Kiviranta (eye), who could play on Saturday against Nashville after making an early exit from Thursday's win over Florida. The Finnish forward is dealing with an eye issue.

Yesterday

Joel Kiviranta • LW • Avalanche

Joel Kiviranta Hurt in Thursday's Win

Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta (upper body) exited Thursday's 6-2 win over the Florida Panthers late in the first period. He was limited to only seven shifts due to an upper-body injury as the Avalanche flexed their muscles against the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told reporters after the game that Kiviranta's injury is "nothing too serious." Kiviranta has missed most of the campaign with a lower-body injury. He has registered two points (one goal, one assist) and 21 hits across 14 outings in a bottom-line role. If Kiviranta needs to take some time off to nurse his injury, Zakhar Bardakov would get a new opportunity to play.

2 days ago

Scott Wedgewood • G • Avalanche

Scott Wedgewood Hurt During Shootout

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (head) was hurt during a shootout in Tuesday's matchup against the Nashville Predators. Wedgewood returned to action on Tuesday after missing three games with a back issue. He stopped 25 of 28 shots in the contest, which needed a shootout after a 3-3 tie. During the shootout, Wedgewood took a blow to the head during Nashville's second attempt. He remained in the game for the third round, but Mackenzie Blackwood was set to face Nashville's fourth shot after an NHL concussion spotter pulled Wedgewood. Ultimately, the fourth round wasn't needed, as Colorado couldn't score on its third attempt, giving the Predators a 4-3 victory in the game. While Blackwood made a very brief appearance on Tuesday, he will be in for a busy period if Wedgewood misses additional time.

4 days ago

Scott Wedgewood • G • Avalanche

Scott Wedgewood Back Between the Pipes Tuesday

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (back) will start on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators. He has been out of the lineup for three games due to a back issue. This season, Wedgewood ranks in the top four in all the main goalie categories. He has a 13-1-3 record, a 2.07 goals-against average, and a .920 save percentage. Over his last three starts, Wedgewood has allowed three total goals, recording his first shutout of the season against the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 23. On Tuesday night, Wedgewood faces the NHL's fourth-weakest offense, as Nashville is averaging only 2.61 goals per game.

5 days ago

Martin Necas • C • Avalanche

Martin Necas a Game-Time Call Tuesday

Colorado Avalanche right wing Martin Necas (illness) is a game-time call for Tuesday's contest against the Nashville Predators. He left the morning skate early due to illness. Necas has had a great time in Denver and is currently on pace for a massive 110-point campaign. In 29 outings, he has contributed 14 goals and 25 assists. Gavin Brindley (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve on Tuesday and could be Necas' replacement in the lineup against Nashville. This is a very favorable fantasy matchup for Colorado's frontline, as the Predators allow the second-most goals in the league (3.50) and have the fifth-worst save percentage (.883).

5 days ago

Scott Wedgewood • G • Avalanche

Scott Wedgewood Skips Thursday's Game

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (back) will not dress for Thursday's tilt against the New York Islanders. The veteran netminder exited Tuesday's win over the Vancouver Canucks early due to a back issue, and while Wedgewood is not expected to miss much time, he will have the night off on Thursday. Wedgewood's emergence has been one of the stories of the season in the NHL, as he currently holds a league-best 13-1-3 record. He has allowed 2.07 goals with a .920 save percentage and one shutout. Mackenzie Blackwood, who is 6-0-1 for the campaign, will get the start on Thursday, with Trent Miner providing backup.

Dec 4

Scott Wedgewood • G • Avalanche

Scott Wedgewood Exits Early With Back Problem

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (back) exited Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second period. He was pulled from the game due to back tightness. Before his exit, Wedgewood stopped 10 of 11 shots. Mackenzie Blackwood replaced him in the crease and helped Colorado secure another victory. The two Avalanche goaltenders have had an even workload lately, and both have performed admirably. It has been a dream campaign for Wedgewood, who was initially brought in as a backup. He currently holds a league-best 13-1-3 record and has become a candidate for Canada's Olympic team. Wedgewood ranks third in the NHL with a 2.07 goals-against average and is also in the top three with his .920 save percentage. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar described Wedgewood's issue as "nothing serious," so he could see more action this week.

Dec 3

Valeri Nichushkin • RW • Avalanche

Valeri Nichushkin Available After Eight-Game Absence

Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (lower body) will return from an eight-game absence on Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks, Dan Murphy of Sportsnet reports. He is expected to join the second line and the first power-play unit. Nichushkin had a slow start to the season, but he has done a decent job overall for the Avalanche. In 17 appearances, Nichushkin has posted five goals and 12 points. One of his most recent outings was against the Canucks, and he finished the contest with two assists. Vancouver allows the second-most goals in the league and has the third-worst penalty kill, making this a dream matchup for the Avalanche forwards.

Dec 2

Gabriel Landeskog • LW • Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog Cleared for Tuesday

Colorado Avalanche forwards Nathan MacKinnon (illness) and Gabriel Landeskog (illness) will play on Tuesday night against the Vancouver Canucks, Sportsnet's Dan Murphy reports. Both players sat out Monday's practice, along with fellow forward Parker Kelly, as there appears to be an illness spreading in the Avalanche dressing room. However, all three have been confirmed as available for Tuesday's game. MacKinnon is in the midst of another special campaign, leading the league in scoring with 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 25 games. He has lit the lamp in each of his last three games, amassing a total of seven points. Entering Tuesday's matchup, Landeskog is also on a three-game point streak, having produced three goals and one assist.

Dec 2

Brock Nelson • C • Avalanche

Brock Nelson Notches Four Points in Big Win

Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson became the team's fifth player with a four-point game this season, finishing Saturday's 7-2 hammering of the Montreal Canadiens with two goals and two assists. Nelson, who surpassed the 600-point mark for his career, factored in each of Colorado's first four goals in the game. The 34-year-old matched his career high with the four-game performance, having last recorded as many points in a single game four years ago. Prior to Saturday's contest, Nelson was on a three-game scoring drought. However, he has had a decent campaign overall, amassing 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in 25 games.

Nov 30

Joel Kiviranta • LW • Avalanche

Joel Kiviranta Ready to Return Wednesday

Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta (lower body) is poised to return to the lineup from a 17-game absence on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks. Kiviranta made only five appearances at the start of the season before landing on the shelf for more than a month. He has no points this season. During his time in Denver, Kiviranta has proven to be a valuable asset on the penalty kill while primarily playing in a bottom-six role. However, due to his limited role, the Finnish forward has no fantasy value.

Nov 26

Scott Wedgewood • G • Avalanche

Scott Wedgewood Gives Avalanche Second Consecutive Shutout

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood stopped all 22 shots he faced in Sunday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, improving to 13-1-2 with a 1-0 victory. Colorado recorded a second consecutive shutout after Mackenzie Blackwood stopped the Nashville Predators from scoring on Saturday. The team has now won nine consecutive games, with Wedgewood holding an eight-game personal winning streak. Another victory would tie him for the second-longest winning streak in franchise history. Wedgewood, who leads the league in goalie wins, will begin the new week of action with a 2.09 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.

Nov 24

Mackenzie Blackwood • G • Avalanche

Mackenzie Blackwood Posts 35-Save Shutout

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood recorded his first shutout of the season in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Nashville Predators, finishing the game with 35 saves. After Brent Bruns scored just 15 seconds into the game, Blackwood kept Colorado ahead until the team wrapped up the win with two empty-net goals. Blackwood recorded his third consecutive victory, improving to 3-0-1 for the season. He has a 2.47 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. Due to offseason lower-body surgery, we haven't seen much of Blackwood in 2025-26. But he is starting to get regular action, providing competition for Scott Wedgewood, who is set to start in Sunday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Nov 23

Gavin Brindley • RW • Avalanche

Gavin Brindley to Sit Out at Least Two Games

Colorado Avalanche forward Gavin Brindley (lower body) is currently not with the team and will miss this weekend's back-to-back on the road against Nashville and Chicago, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports. Brindley suffered a lower-body injury in Thursday's win over the New York Rangers and will be sidelined for at least two games. The 21-year-old has scored four goals and seven points in 18 appearances during his rookie campaign. The Avalanche have brought up Jason Polin from the minors to fill the gap in the lineup. Meanwhile, Gabriel Landeskog will move to the second line on Saturday night and will also join the first power-play unit. During his comeback season, Gabriel Landeskog has been limited to six points (two goals, four assists) in 20 games, but a move to a scoring line and the top power-play unit significantly increases his fantasy value.

Nov 22

Gavin Brindley • RW • Avalanche

Gavin Brindley Hurt Versus Rangers

Colorado Avalanche forward Gavin Brindley (lower body) was limited to 2:47 of ice time in Thursday's 6-3 win over the New York Rangers. He suffered a lower-body injury midway through the first period. Brindley tried to return for the second period but didn't feel comfortable enough to play. Colorado has recently used Brindley in a second-line role. He has notched four goals and seven points in 18 games during his rookie year. Considering he attempted to return after getting hurt, Brindley appears to have avoided a serious injury and could potentially be ready for this weekend's back-to-back. If he isn't, Victor Olofsson may get a new opportunity in the top six.

Nov 21

Samuel Girard • D • Avalanche

Samuel Girard Available Thursday

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard (upper body) will return from a 15-game absence on Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres. The 27-year-old suffered an upper-body injury right at the start of the season and has played in just two games in 2025-26. Last season, Girard did a little bit of everything for the Avalanche, finishing the campaign with 24 points (three goals, 21 assists), 95 shots, 111 blocks, and 62 hits in 73 outings. Girard will take Jack Ahcan's spot in the lineup after the team reassigned him to the AHL earlier this week.

Nov 14

Valeri Nichushkin • RW • Avalanche

Valeri Nichushkin Considered Week-to-Week

Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (lower body) will exit the lineup on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres and is considered week-to-week. The Russian forward sustained a lower-body injury in Tuesday's victory over the Anaheim Ducks. This season, Nichushkin has been Colorado's sixth-highest scorer, posting 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 17 appearances. Rookie Gavin Brindley will join the second line in Nichushkin's absence on Thursday. The 21-year-old has collected four points in the last five games, and his fantasy stock receives a further boost with Brindley's promotion to a top-six role.

Nov 14

Valeri Nichushkin • RW • Avalanche

Valeri Nichushkin Sustains Lower-Body Injury in Win

Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (lower body) didn't complete Tuesday's 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. He left the contest early in the third period. Prior to his exit, the Russian forward helped Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog score his first regular-season goal in three years. Nichushkin has contributed five goals and seven assists across 17 outings this season. His potential absence from the lineup for the upcoming games could give Landeskog or Viktor Olofsson a larger role in the Avalanche attack. Colorado will return to action on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Nov 12

Nathan MacKinnon • C • Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon Totals Five Points in Overtime Win

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon could do no wrong in Sunday's contest against the Vancouver Cancucks, tallying two goals and three assists in a 5-4 overtime victory. He became only the second NHLer in the past 25 years to record at least four points on back-to-back days. The sensational performance took MacKinnon's points streak to nine games, which has catapulted him to the top of the league's scoring charts. MacKinnon has produced a league-high 14 goals and sits on 29 points in 16 appearances. Currently, the Avalanche superstar looks unstoppable, and his hot streak may continue for a while, as Colorado begins a four-game homestand on Tuesday.

Nov 10

Nathan MacKinnon • C • Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon Extends Point Streak to Seven Games

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon stretched his point streak to seven games on Tuesday night, posting a power-play assist in a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. This marks the 25th time in his career that MacKinnon has recorded a point streak of at least seven games, placing him second in franchise history behind only Joe Sakic (35). With a total of 20 points, MacKinnon currently shares the second spot on the league's scoring charts and is tied for first with 10 goals. He has gone without a point in only two of his 14 appearances this season and has already recorded six multi-point games. The Avalanche star will attempt to extend his point streak to eight games in a fascinating matchup against the league's leading scorer, Connor McDavid, and the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.

Nov 5

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