Avalanche News

WESTERN CENTRAL

Artturi Lehkonen • LW • Avalanche

Artturi Lehkonen Deemed Week-to-Week

Colorado Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen (upper body) is out week-to-week, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. He was injured in Monday's win over the Los Angeles Kings and looks set for a multi-game spell on the sidelines. Lehkonen has been a crucial part of the top-six group in Colorado, recording 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) and a plus-31 rating in 59 games this season. In his absence, Ross Colton moved to the second line on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks, though he had a quiet outing and didn't register any points in a 5-1 win.

6 days ago

Joel Kiviranta • LW • Avalanche

Joel Kiviranta in Concussion Protocol

Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta is in concussion protocol, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports. He was hurt in Thursday's loss to Minnesota and didn't play on Saturday night against Chicago. It's unclear when Kiviranta can return. The Finnish veteran has appeared in 30 games this season, recording seven points (two goals, five assists), 25 shots, and 45 hits. On Saturday, Zakhar Bardakov filled in for Kiviranta on the fourth line but logged only 4:13 of action across four shifts.

Mar 1

Cale Makar • D • Avalanche

Cale Makar Scores Twice Versus Chicago

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar scored twice in Saturday night's victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. His first goal came with nine seconds left in the second period, and the second one came on an empty-netter late in the third period. Centers Nathan Mackinnon and Martin Necas were credited with assists on both goals. Makar is now tied for fourth among all defensemen in scoring, trailing only Jakub Chychrun, Zach Werenski, and Matthew Schaefer.

Feb 28

Joel Kiviranta • LW • Avalanche

Joel Kiviranta Sustains Undisclosed Injury Thursday

Colorado Avalanche winger Joel Kiviranta (undisclosed) left Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild midway through the second period. He was unable to continue after absorbing a hit from Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian. Kiviranta has played in only 30 of Colorado's 57 games and could miss time again. The Finnish forward has contributed two goals and five assists as a fourth-line grinder. Colorado is carrying Zakhar Bardakov as an extra forward, and he'll likely hop into the lineup if Kivirant can't play in Saturday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Feb 27

Mackenzie Blackwood • G • Avalanche

Mackenzie Blackwood Starting in Net Versus Wild

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is receiving the start for Thursday's game against the Wild. Blackwood is in net for the second half of the Avalanche's back-to-back set after they picked up a win on Wednesday night against the Mammoth with goaltender Scott Wedgewood in the crease. Blackwood has been productive when healthy this season, with a record of 16-5-1 to go along with a 2.25 goals-against average, three shutouts, and a .916 save percentage through 23 appearances for the league-leading Avalanche.

Feb 26

Nathan MacKinnon • C • Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon Expected to Play Thursday

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (not injury-related) will return to action on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild, Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News reports. MacKinnon didn't play in Wednesday's 4-2 road victory over Utah, taking a bit of extra rest after the Olympic tournament. The Avalanche leader sits third in scoring in the NHL, recording 40 goals and 53 assists in 55 appearances. He's had multiple points in 10 of his last 19 outings. MacKinnon's return will bump Brock Nelson to the second line, but he will continue to be heavily involved in the offense.

Feb 26

Brock Nelson • C • Avalanche

Brock Nelson Produces 30th Goal of the Campaign

Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson potted his 30th goal of the season in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Utah Mammoth. With Nathan MacKinnon (not injury-related) out of the lineup, Nelson skated as the first-line center and registered the game-winning goal on Wednesday night. Nelson has been somewhat of a late bloomer, becoming only the second player in NHL history to record each of his first four 30-goal campaigns after turning 30. In 56 outings, he has also had 20 assists during his first full season in Denver. Although MacKinnon could jump back into action on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild, Nelson will continue to play a vital role for Colorado.

Feb 26

Martin Necas • C • Avalanche

Martin Necas Ready for Thursday

Colorado Avalanche right wing Martin Necas (lower body) will be available for Team Czechia's Olympic opener against Canada on Thursday. Prior to the Olympic break, Necas sat out three Colorado games due to a lower-body injury. Ahead of Thursday's matchup, Necas has practiced with David Pastrnak and Tomas Hertl on the first line. Much of Czechia's tournament success hinges on the performance of its top trio. Necas has been in hot form this season, logging 62 points (22 goals, 40 assists) in 52 appearances with the Avalanche.

Feb 10

Gabriel Landeskog • LW • Avalanche

Gabriel Landeskog Healthy for Olympics

Colorado Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog (upper body) is good to go for the 2026 Olympics. The veteran forward hasn't played since early January, but he has shaken off an upper-body injury in time for the Olympic tournament. Team Sweden named Landeskog captain. After overcoming a career-threatening knee injury, Landeskog has tallied 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 41 games with the Avalanche this season. At Sunday's practice, Landeskog skated on a line with Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks and Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings.

Feb 9

Valeri Nichushkin • RW • Avalanche

Valeri Nichushkin Sets Up Three Goals Wednesday

Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin had a three-assist game on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks, helping his team secure a 4-2 victory. Nichushkin helped Artturi Lehkonen score two second-period goals, and Josh Manson potted the game-winning goal in the third after work from Nichushkin and Nathan MacKinnon. With Martin Necas (lower body) out, Nichushkin has skated on the first line with Lehkonen and MacKinnon. The Olympic break comes at the wrong time for him, as the Russian forward has been pointless only once in his last six outings. For the season, Nichushkin has totaled 12 goals and 34 points in 46 games.

Feb 5

Martin Necas • C • Avalanche

Martin Necas Misses Third Consecutive Game

Colorado Avalanche right wing Martin Necas (lower body) will miss Wednesday's matchup with the San Jose Sharks. He's been dealing with a lower-body injury and won't be in the lineup for a third consecutive game. Necas is still expected to play for Czechia at the 2026 Olympics. With Gabriel Landeskog (upper body) also on the shelf, Ross Colton and Victor Olofsson will continue to see top-six usage. Both players are also part of the second power-play unit. Additionally, Necas' departure from the lineup has boosted Valeri Nichushkin's fantasy stock, as he has replaced him on the first line.

Feb 4

Devon Toews • D • Avalanche

Devon Toews Back for Avalanche Monday

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (upper body) will return from a 13-game absence on Monday night against the Detroit Red Wings. He has been cleared to play after recovering from an upper-body injury. Toews will link up with his regular partner, Cale Makar, on the first defensive pairing. Sam Malinski will move to the third pairing. Toews offers defensive balance next to Makar, but occasionally also chips in on offense. He has tallied one goal and 12 assists in 40 outings. Additionally, Toews has blocked 58 shots and carries a plus-26 rating.

Feb 2

Martin Necas • C • Avalanche

Martin Necas Remains Out Monday

Colorado Avalanche right wing Martin Necas (lower body) will miss a second consecutive game on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. He was absent from the lineup for the first time this season on Saturday against Detroit and will miss at least one more game due to a lower-body injury. The team hopes to have Necas available for Wednesday's tilt against the San Jose Sharks. With Necas out, Valeri Nichushkin moved to the top line on Saturday, recording one assist in a 5-0 win. On Monday, Nichushkin has a chance to post a season-high with a five-game point streak.

Feb 2

Ross Colton • C • Avalanche

Ross Colton Won't Play Wednesday

Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton (lower body) will miss a third consecutive game on Wednesday night against the Ottawa Senators. He suffered a lower-body injury a week ago and is considered day-to-day. Colorado has been hopeful that Colton will return at some point during the team's current four-game road trip. There are two more stops on the trip: Thursday in Montreal and Saturday in Detroit. With Colton and Gabriel Landeskog (upper body) on the shelf, Victor Olofsson has received an opportunity on the first line. Meanwhile, Taylor Makar has slotted into the third line.

Jan 28

Devon Toews • D • Avalanche

Devon Toews Still Out Wednesday

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (upper body) will sit out an 11th consecutive game on Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators. He remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Toews' next chance to return will be on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens. With him out, Sam Malinski has been accompanying Cale Makar on the first defensive pairing. The Cornell University product, who signed a four-year extension earlier this week, has also seen some power-play time. However, Malinski has been in an offensive slump this month, making it on the score sheet just twice in 11 appearances. Overall, he has notched a career-high 24 points (three goals, 21 assists) in 50 outings.

Jan 28

Sam Malinski • D • Avalanche

Sam Malinski Inks Four-Year Extension With Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski signed a four-year, $19 million contract extension on Tuesday. He was rewarded for a career year. With a large chunk of the 2025-26 regular season left, Malinski has already posted his new scoring record with 24 points (three goals, 21 assists) in 50 games. Additionally, he has recorded 98 shots, 56 blocks, 24 hits, and an outstanding plus-26 rating. Last offseason, Malinski inked a one-year, $1.4 million deal with Colorado. The 27-year-old has played a larger role on Colorado's blue line lately due to the absence of Devon Toews (upper body).

Jan 27

Scott Wedgewood • G • Avalanche

Scott Wedgewood Activated From Non-Roster List

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (personal) was activated from the non-roster list. He is ready to rejoin the action after missing Sunday's win over the Toronto Maple Leafs for personal reasons. Wedgewood's wife, Brittany, gave birth to their second child on Thursday. Wedgewood is having an extraordinary season, sharing the league lead with a 2.18 goals-against average and ranking second with a .918 save percentage. He boasts a 20-3-5 record and has produced two shutouts. However, Wedgewood has lost some momentum recently, posting a 2-2-1 record in his last five starts.

Jan 26

Ross Colton • C • Avalanche

Ross Colton Won't Play Friday

Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton (lower body) will miss Friday's clash against the Philadelphia Flyers. He sustained a lower-body injury during Wednesday's loss to the Anaheim Ducks and is considered day-to-day. Friday's game will mark Colton's first absence of the season. He has tallied 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 48 contests. Joel Kiviranta (lower body) is ready to return from a 10-game absence and will fill in for Colton on Friday. The Finnish forward is having a disappointing season and shouldn't draw fantasy interest. Colton's first chance to return will be on Sunday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Jan 23

Valeri Nichushkin • RW • Avalanche

Valeri Nichushkin Returns to Action Wednesday

Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (upper body) will rejoin the lineup on Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. The Russian forward didn't play in Monday's win over the Washington Capitals after sustaining an upper-body injury in a car accident. Fortunately, Nichushkin has made a quick recovery and should fill his normal duties against Anaheim. Colorado uses Nichushkin on the second line and the second power-play unit. He has tallied 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 38 games this season. In January, Nichushkin has been slumping, finishing scoreless in six of seven appearances.

Jan 22

Ross Colton • C • Avalanche

Ross Colton Good to Go Friday

Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton (upper body) will suit up on Friday against the Nashville Predators. Initially, he was doubtful for the game after skipping Thursday's practice due to an upper-body injury. Colton has logged 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) across 45 outings in 2025-26. With Gabriel Landeskog (upper body) sidelined, Colton has received an opportunity to feature in the top six. He has responded by recording four assists over the past three games. However, Colton hasn't scored a goal for 22 consecutive appearances.

Jan 16

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