Avalanche rocked by crushing injury news as training camp begins
Photo credit: Christopher Hanewinckel / USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche opened training camp on a tough note, announcing devastating injury news to three key players, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, forward Logan O'Connor, and defenseman Samuel Girard, a trio who absence could have a major impact on the team's early-season outlook.
When the Avalanche kicked off training camp on Wednesday, head coach Jared Bednar revealed that multiple injuries will disrupt the team's preseason plans.
Avalanche rocked with devastating injury news.
Ben Steiner from Daily Faceoff writes that according to Bednar, Blackwood is sidelined on a week-to-week basis but should be back around the start of the season.
Girard is also dealing with a lower-body injury that will keep him out of camp for now, though he still has a chance to be ready for opening night.
O'Connor faces a longer recovery from a hip injury that will sideline him for the entire preseason, with his return projected for early November.
"Blackwood's absence from the start of training camp leaves the Avalanche with 33-year-old veteran Scott Wedgewood as the only signed NHL goaltender. Four other goaltenders are currently in camp as well, including Kyle Keyser, Trent Miner, Mathis Langevin, and Isak Poch.
However, Bednar also said that he feels confident that Wedgewood can take on a more significant role to start the season and win them hockey games as Blackwood recovers." -Steiner
However, Bednar also said that he feels confident that Wedgewood can take on a more significant role to start the season and win them hockey games as Blackwood recovers." -Steiner
In 2024-25, Blackwood (37 games) and backup Scott Wedgewood (19) split goaltending duties, but the six-game preseason offers chances for others to stand out. Of the six goalies used last season, only Blackwood, Wedgewood, and Miner remain.
"Outside the crease, Girard skated in 78 NHL games with the Avalanche last season, scoring three goals and 24 points, while O'Connor had 10 goals and 21 points in 80 games." -Steiner
The Avalanche begin preseason play on Sept. 21 against the Utah Mammoth, then trim their roster ahead of their Oct. 7 season opener versus the Los Angeles Kings.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 17 | 31 ANSWERS Avalanche rocked by crushing injury news as training camp begins Do you think all Blackwood, Girard, and O'Connor will be available for the first game of the season? | ||
| yes | 11 | 35.5 % |
| no | 20 | 64.5 % |
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