October 29th 2024.
The Colorado Avalanche has been struggling without their top forwards in the lineup, making Ross Colton's goal-scoring surge crucial for their start to the 2024-25 season. However, with Colton now out due to an injury, the team is in need of someone to step up and fill his role.
During Monday night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Colton was hit by a shot on his right foot and was unable to play in the third period. He left the locker room wearing a walking boot, and coach Bednar confirmed that he will be out for some time. The team will have a better understanding of the length of his absence by Wednesday morning.
Colton, who has scored eight goals in 10 games, has been a key player for the Avalanche, particularly as the first-line left wing alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. His injury adds to the already long list of unavailable players, including Jonathan Drouin, Artturi Lehkonen, Valeri Nichushkin, and Gabe Landeskog. In fact, the team is currently missing nearly $25 million worth of forwards.
Lehkonen, who had offseason shoulder surgery, has a checkup scheduled for Tuesday and could potentially return to the ice soon if all goes well. Drouin, who has been skating with the team in a no-contact jersey, may also be nearing a return. However, Nichushkin, who is in Stage 3 of the NHL-NHLPA Players Assistance Program, will not be eligible to return until next month but is still working out and skating on his own in Denver.
The Avalanche had been on a five-game winning streak before Monday's loss, and there was hope that the team would soon have all their players back. However, Colton's injury has added another layer of uncertainty for the club.
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