The Avalanche faced a significant challenge at the start of the season, and it became even more daunting after just one game. Top star, who had a breakout season and was one of last year’s standout stories in the NHL, will miss at least the next two games due to an upper-body injury suffered in Wednesday’s opener in Las Vegas.
Coach Jared Bednar confirmed that he will be out for Saturday’s home opener against the Blue Jackets and the game against the Islanders. The team is already without Valeri Nichushkin (suspension), Artturi Lehkonen (shoulder), and captain Gabe Landeskog (knee), all key players in their forward lineup.
“Every missing player adds to the difficulty,” Bednar said. “It pushes us to focus on the details and commitment right away. Everyone in our lineup has to excel in their role to find success.”
Drouin’s stellar 2023-24 season helped compensate for Landeskog’s extended absence, along with the losses of Nichushkin (player assistance program) and Lehkonen (neck) last season. Now, the Avalanche need other players to step up as four of their top seven forwards are sidelined.
Nikolai Kovalenko, who made his NHL debut against Vegas, filled Drouin’s spot on the top line in Friday’s practice. Ross Colton moved up to the second line alongside Casey Mittelstadt and rookie Calum Ritchie, having previously played a similar role during his time with Tampa Bay.
Parker Kelly, who played his first NHL game as a center against Vegas, stepped up to the No. 3 center spot at practice. With only 11 healthy forwards, the Avs may opt for 11 forwards and seven defensemen against Columbus or recall another forward. If they choose the latter, either John Ludvig or Oliver Kylington may need to be waived, or Drouin could be placed on injured reserve to create a roster spot.
In a separate move, Colorado claimed goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets, though his arrival is pending immigration clearance. The Avalanche now have three goaltenders on their NHL roster, which adds complexity.
“We need our goalies to step up,” Bednar said. “If Kahkonen can help us improve, we’re all for it. It’s all about winning.”
In the season opener, starting goalie Alexandar Georgiev allowed five goals on 16 shots in two periods before Justus Annunen took over, allowing two more goals. Reflecting on his rough start, Georgiev said, “I’m just focused on bouncing back, learning from past experiences, and not dwelling too much on one game.”
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