Colorado Avalanche: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
The Colorado Avalanche, a team known for its resilience and competitive spirit, is currently facing some challenges as they navigate the early part of the NHL season. One of the most pressing issues is the status of forward Jonathan Drouin, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Drouin’s absence will be felt as he is set to miss at least the next two games, including a crucial matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets and another against the New York Islanders.
Drouin’s Impact on the Team
Drouin’s injury comes on the heels of a tough 8-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, where he logged an impressive 21:25 of ice time but finished the game with a minus-1 rating. His contributions last season were significant; he finished fourth on the Avalanche with a career-high 56 points, including 19 goals and 37 assists in 79 regular-season games. Drouin signed a one-year contract with the team on July 1, and his offensive prowess was expected to play a key role in the Avalanche’s success this season.
Head coach Jared Bednar acknowledged the impact of Drouin’s absence, stating, "Every guy that’s missing makes the job more difficult, but it forces our team to dig in on the details and the commitment side of the game right away." This sentiment highlights the Avalanche’s need for every player to step up, especially in the face of adversity.
Adjusting the Lineup
With Drouin sidelined, Bednar is considering various options to fill the void on the top line. One potential candidate is Nikolai Kovalenko, who could join stars Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. This adjustment could provide Kovalenko with a prime opportunity to showcase his skills alongside two of the league’s elite forwards.
In addition to Kovalenko, Bednar is weighing the possibility of recalling a forward from the AHL or opting for a lineup that features 11 forwards and seven defensemen. The Avalanche currently have eight defensemen on their roster, with Oliver Kylington and John Ludvig available to step in if needed. This flexibility in the lineup could be crucial as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge.
Goaltending Changes
In a strategic move to bolster their goaltending depth, the Avalanche claimed Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets. The 28-year-old goalie had a challenging season last year, posting a record of 7-24-3 with a 3.64 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage while playing for the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils. However, Bednar remains optimistic about Kahkonen’s potential impact on the team.
"He’s played well in places before, and he’s free and we’ve got room," Bednar said. "So, if we can push our goalies, like we don’t know how it’s going to play out, right? So, we’ve seen better from our goalies than we’ve seen here recently, and if they can elevate their game, great. And if Kahkonen can come in and play well, great."
Looking Ahead
As the Avalanche prepare for their upcoming games, the focus will be on how they can adapt to the absence of Drouin and integrate Kahkonen into their goaltending rotation. The team’s ability to rally together and support one another will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the NHL. With a roster filled with talent and determination, the Avalanche are poised to face these challenges head-on, showcasing their depth and resilience in the process.