Avalanche Fall Short in Kahkonen’s Debut

Losses and injuries are becoming a song the Avalanche are tired of singing as they drop their latest game to the Tampa Bay Lightning. This game follows a devastating loss to Colorado’s forward core in 28-year-old Ross Colton, who was among NHL leaders in goals before his injury. Now sitting and resting a broken foot, it will be at least 6-8 weeks until the Avalanche see him return.

Related: Kaapo Kahkonen To Make Avalanche Debut; Ross Colton Out 6-8 Weeks With Broken Foot

The Avalanche also missed forward Miles Wood last night after a lingering upper-body injury he had been playing through the last couple of games finally became more serious. He will miss at least 7-10 days.

With the Avalanche also missing a few other key forwards to injury, fortunately, Head Coach Jared Bednar was able to give an update on at least one of those players and when they may return. That player is none other than Artturi Lehkonen.

“We’re aiming for Tuesday against Seattle,” Bednar said when asked about his return last night. Now, this is no guarantee, but Lehkonen is participating in full team skates and looks more than ready to finally return to the fold.

Unfortunately, there are no return projections for Jonathan Drouin or Captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has not played since the game that won Colorado the cup against the Lightning in 2022.

Regarding Drouin, Bednar said he’s “ramping up” and finally started taking controlled contact in team skates. “He’s still a little sore…you’ll probably find out [when he returns] the day he’s playing.”

The Point Streaks Continue

Both Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar extended their season-opening point streaks last night to 11 games.

Makar, who celebrated his birthday last night with a goal, also joined the NHL record books. His 11-game season-opening point streak becomes the second longest in NHL history by a defenseman. His streak falls only behind Bobby Orr’s run in the 1973-74 season (15 games).