Avalanche News

WESTERN CENTRAL

Nathan MacKinnon • C • Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon Racks Up Four Points in Victory Over Kraken

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon factored in four goals during Thursday's 5-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. After being tossed from Tuesday's loss to Edmonton, MacKinnon responded with one goal and three assists. He already had three points before the first intermission, tying Alex Ovechkin for the fourth most three-point periods among active players. This was the 24th time MacKinnon had as many as three points in a single period. The Avalanche superstar is in a battle for the Art Ross and Rocket Richard Trophies. He has netted a league-high 44 goals in 63 appearances and is second in scoring with 108 points, just two behind Edmonton's Connor McDavid. MacKinnon has finished seven of his last 11 outings with multiple points.

4 days ago

Ross Colton • C • Avalanche

Ross Colton Suffers Upper-Body Injury Tuesday Night

Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton (upper body) left Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers midway through the second period. Colton scored the first goal of the game just 32 seconds into the first frame, but he couldn't finish the contest due to an upper-body injury. "He took a shot from a player during the game and then he kind of tightened up," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said postgame. "So, he's got an upper-body injury, and hopefully he loosens up for tomorrow and can play in Seattle (on Thursday)." Colorado has recently lost Gabriel Landeskog (lower body) and Artturi Lehkonen (upper body) from its top-six group, so the team will be desperate to have Colton available on Thursday.

6 days ago

Gabriel Landeskog • LW • Avalanche

Gabriel Landeskog Out Week-to-Week

Colorado Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog (lower body) was deemed week-to-week on Sunday. He sat out Sunday's 3-2 shootout win over the Minnesota Wild and is expected to miss further action. Before suffering a lower-body injury, Landeskog was on fire. He has collected seven points (two goals, five assists) in six games since play resumed after the Olympics. Overall, the Avalanche captain has contributed nine goals and 20 assists in 47 games this season. Following Landeskog's exit from the lineup, recently re-acquired Nazem Kadri joined the top line for Sunday's action, registering an assist. Kadri's production has been underwhelming this season but is set to rise in Colorado, especially if he sees time on the top line.

Mar 9

Nazem Kadri • C • Avalanche

Avalanche Bring Back Nazem Kadri

Center Nazem Kadri rejoined the Colorado Avalanche in a trade deadline deal on Friday. After winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022, Kadri signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Calgary Flames as a free agent. Now, he's back in town after Colorado re-acquired Kadri from Calgary in exchange for forward Victor Olofsson, unsigned draft pick Maxmilian Curran, a conditional 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 second-round pick. Additionally, the Avalanche received a 2027 fourth-round pick as part of the deal. Calgary will retain 20 percent of Kadri's salary. Kadri had a career year with the Avalanche in 2021-22 and could increase his productivity down the stretch. He has recorded 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 61 games this season.

Mar 6

Nicolas Roy • C • Avalanche

Nicolas Roy Shipped to Colorado

The Toronto Maple Leafs traded forward Nicolas Roy to the Colorado Avalanche for a conditional first-round pick in 2027 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026. Roy, who arrived in Toronto during the offseason as part of the deal that saw Mitchell Marner move to Vegas, posted 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 59 outings with the Maple Leafs. If Roy can't improve his scoring rate in Colorado, he will finish with fewer than 30 points for the first time in five years. The 29-year-old will strengthen a forward line that has recently lost Artturi Lehkonen (upper body) and Joel Kiviranta (concussion).

Mar 6

Nick Blankenburg • D • Avalanche

Avalanche Add Nick Blankenburg From Predators

The Colorado Avalanche have brought in defenseman Nick Blankenburg in a trade with the Nashville Predators, giving up a 2027 fifth-round pick in the deal. Blankenburg has quietly had a good campaign in Music City, registering 21 points (six goals, 15 assists), 59 shots, 51 blocks, and 47 hits in 49 appearances. The Predators received very good value for money, as Blankenburg is in the final season of a two-year, $1.55 million contract. While joining a Cup contender is a great move for Blankenburg, he faces much tougher competition for playing time in Colorado and might not see regular action.

Mar 5

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.

Mar 4

Artturi Lehkonen • LW • Avalanche

Artturi Lehkonen Set to Miss Time After Getting Hurt Monday

Colorado Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen (upper body) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Anaheim and will miss time, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. The Finnish forward suffered an upper-body injury on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings, exiting the contest after taking only three shifts. With Lehkonen out, the Avalanche must cope without their fourth-highest scoring forward. In 59 contests, Lehkonen has contributed 19 goals and 23 assists. Victor Olofsson or Ross Colton could slot into the top six during Lehkonen's absence, while the Avalanche must also tweak their second power-play unit.

Mar 3

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

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