The Colorado Avalanche are heading into their Friday night matchup against the Nashville Predators with a few lineup questions hanging in the air-most notably, the status of forward Ross Colton.
Colton is officially listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, and his availability for the Predators game remains uncertain. Head coach Jared Bednar didn’t offer much clarity, saying simply, “Don’t know,” when asked if Colton would be ready to go. That leaves the Avalanche potentially down a key top-six contributor in a game that carries weight in the Western Conference standings.
The injury likely stems from Monday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, though the exact moment Colton got hurt isn’t clear. It could be a lingering issue that flared up during that game. Either way, it puts Colorado in a bit of a bind, especially considering Colton’s role on the second line.
If Colton can’t suit up, expect Victor Olofsson to slide into that second-line spot alongside Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin. Olofsson has the offensive instincts to hold his own in that group, but Colton brings a two-way edge and physicality that’s not easily replaced. His absence would be felt, particularly against a Predators team that thrives in the trenches.
There was, however, a more encouraging update on Logan O’Connor. Bednar said he remains “optimistic” that O’Connor will return this season, and described his confidence level as “high.”
That’s a big deal for a team that already leads the NHL in penalty-kill percentage. O’Connor is one of Colorado’s most reliable defensive forwards and a key piece of their shorthanded unit.
Getting him back would not only reinforce the PK but also give the Avalanche a shot of energy in the middle six.
O’Connor’s timeline is still a bit murky, but with the Olympic break on the horizon, he’ll have roughly a month to continue rehabbing and ramping up. March looks like a realistic window for a potential return, and if that happens, it could alter Colorado’s approach to the trade deadline. Rather than seeking a depth forward, the Avalanche might already have their internal solution in O’Connor.
In the short term, the team has recalled Zakhar Bardakov from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. He had been sent down earlier this week in what was largely a cap-management move.
With Colton’s status up in the air, Bardakov is expected to slot in on the fourth line Friday night. He’s not expected to take on a major role, but he brings some grit and fresh legs to a forward group that’s being tested by injuries.
The Avalanche are navigating this stretch with the kind of depth and flexibility that championship contenders need. But make no mistake-Colton’s availability will be a key storyline heading into Friday night. And if O’Connor is indeed on the mend, Colorado could be getting a critical piece back just in time for the playoff push.