The Colorado Avalanche are getting a timely boost as they gear up for the final stretch of the 2025-26 NHL regular season. As they face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Avs are excited to welcome back right wing Logan O’Connor and center Ross Colton.
Logan O’Connor is set to hit the ice for the first time this season. After signing with the Avalanche in 2018-19 from the University of Denver, O’Connor has been a steady presence.
He underwent hip surgery in the offseason, which sidelined him for up to six months. Last season, O’Connor was a consistent performer, playing in all but two games and tallying 21 points with 10 goals and 11 assists.
His contributions were vital during the Avs' 2021-22 Stanley Cup run, where he notched a goal and three assists over 17 playoff games. With 343 regular-season games under his belt, O’Connor has amassed 45 goals and 103 points.
Ross Colton is also making his return after battling injuries since the 2025 playoffs, which limited his appearances to 60 games this season. He’s been sidelined for the past six games but is ready to rejoin the lineup.
Colton has been productive, recording eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points this season. Since debuting during the Avalanche's 2021-22 championship season, Colton has built a solid career with 88 goals and 87 assists, totaling 175 points.
Adding to the good news, star forward Gabriel Landeskog recently returned from a lower-body injury, making a comeback in the last game against the Washington Capitals. With these key players back, the Avalanche are hitting their stride at just the right moment.
Having already secured a playoff spot, the Avs are looking strong as they head into their final 12 regular-season games after the matchup against Pittsburgh. This bolstered lineup could be the key to another deep playoff run.