Avalanche cornerstone receives injury update ahead of upcoming season
Photo credit: David Zalubowski / AP Photo
Colorado Avalanche cornerstone forward Logan O'Connor has been dealt a injury update just ahead of the upcoming NHL season, raising concerns about his availability and the team's lineup moving forward.
O'Connor underwent hip surgery in June and while the procedure was successful, his recovery is expected to take five to six months, meaning he'll miss a significant portion of the upcoming season.
Injury update provided for veteran forward Logan O'Connor.
Brennan Vogt from Hockey Mountain High writes that O'Connor may be recovering faster than anticipated following his second hip surgery in as many years.
On Tuesday, he took to the ice for the first time at the Avalanche practice facility.
"In early June, the Avalanche announced O'Connor would once again go under the knife. This was after a career-high six points in seven games against the Dallas Stars during the playoffs. He became a deadly player that no one expected to shine during the first round. One of his three goals was a shorthanded goal during Game Four at Ball Arena.
Later in the day, AJ Haefele of DNVR, reported that the surgery was not as extensive as previously thought. Haefele also mentioned that the surgery was on the other hip than the prior surgery. People had thought O'Connor could be out of the lineup through late December. Haefele gave an estimate that he heard it could be as little as 10-16 games." -Vogt
Later in the day, AJ Haefele of DNVR, reported that the surgery was not as extensive as previously thought. Haefele also mentioned that the surgery was on the other hip than the prior surgery. People had thought O'Connor could be out of the lineup through late December. Haefele gave an estimate that he heard it could be as little as 10-16 games." -Vogt
Haefele's report could complicate Colorado's plans with O'Connor and injured. Placing him on long-term injured reserve required a minimum of 10 games and 24 days, but he isn't expected to exceed that 24-day mark.
Under the new timeline, O'Connor could return as early as October 26 against the New Jersey Devils, far earlier than the original December 23 projection versus the Utah Mammoth.
"Either way, the gap in the lineup with O'Connor out is tough to fill. He plays a 200-foot game and never lets up on his forecheck. The recent re-signing of Joel Kiviranta may help with that, but he does not bring the same grit to the game as O'Connor does." -Vogt
Colorado Eagles players like Matt Stienburg and Chase Bradley, who have comparable playing styles, are expected to fill the gap during O'Connor's absence.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 24 | 30 ANSWERS Avalanche cornerstone receives injury update ahead of upcoming season Do you think Avalanche forward Logan O'Connor will return before the holiday break? | ||
| yes | 25 | 83.3 % |
| no | 5 | 16.7 % |
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