Disaster strikes as Avalanche top defenseman expected to miss extended time with upper-body injury
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Disaster for the Colorado Avalanche as star defenseman Samuel Girard is expected to be out week-to-week after sustaining an upper-body injury during Thursday's home opening 2-1 win over the Utah Mammoth.
The team has not provided any additional details regarding how Girard sustained the injury.
Samuel Girard expected to miss time after suffering an upper-body injury early in the season.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar announced Saturday that Girard will be sidelined for "some time."
Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that Girard missed most of training camp and the preseason, only to return to play in the exhibition finale.
He appeared in each of the first two regular-season games but sustained an injury during Thursday's contest.
"Following the home opener, Girard was seen near the X-ray room just as Jared Bednar was starting his post-game press conference." -Deen
The Avalanche have deoth on the back end this season, but a key concern remains the shortage of true left-shot defensemen.
"Now, without Girard, who was on the second pair, they'll likely turn to recent waiver claim Ilya Solovyov, but it's unlikely that he'll replace the minutes that Girard was playing.
It's more likely we'll see Josh Manson on the left with Brent Burns to allow Malinski and Solovyov to round out the third pair." -Deen
It's more likely we'll see Josh Manson on the left with Brent Burns to allow Malinski and Solovyov to round out the third pair." -Deen
While not as high-profile as losing Cale Makar or Devon Toews, the Avs will still feel Girard's absence.
The Avalanche host the divisional rival Dallas Stars at Ball Arena on Saturday night.
More details on Girard's injury will surely follow in the coming days.
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