Colorado Avalanche News

Colton exited Thursday's 5-1 win over the Utah Hockey Club with an upper-body injury after 11:07 time-on-ice. Colton managed a goal before his exit, his seventh in eight games to start the season. Further updates on Colton's status will likely be provided this weekend. The Avalanche return to action on Sunday against the Ottawa Senators.

Kylington has been limited to two games this season and will miss a third straight on Thursday night. The 27-year-old Kylington has only played 35 games over the past three seasons due to various injuries.

For the first time this season, the Sharks will defer from their goalie rotation and turn to Blackwood for a second straight game. The Sharks continue to search for the first victory of the season (0-5-2) and will hope Blackwood can help them get there after an excellent performance in his last outing, saving 37 of 39 shots (.949 SV%) in a 3-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. That said, the Sharks enter action on Thursday as significant +262 road underdogs against a Los Angeles Kings club looking to respond from a 6-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday.

Wagner was recalled in place of Calum Ritchie, who was reassigned to Oshawa (OHL) on Wednesday. Wagner is yet to register a point in two NHL games this season.

The 27th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Ritchie will return to Oshawa after registering one goal and no assists in seven games with the Avalanche. Ritchie will play an integral role in his final OHL season with the Generals and is likely to play on Team Canada at the upcoming World Juniors.

The Sharks will continue their goalie rotation to start the season, turning to Blackwood between the pipes for the fourth time in seven games. In three games this season (0-1-2), the 27-year-old Blackwood has an ugly 4.88 GAA and .875 SV%. The Sharks are one of two teams without a win this season (0-4-2) and enter the action on Tuesday as +135 road underdogs against the Anaheim Ducks, who, despite a reasonable 2-2-1 record, are second-worst in the league offensively with only 12 goals scored.

The Sharks will continue their goalie rotation to start the season, turning to Blackwood between the pipes for the fourth time in seven games. In three games this season (0-1-2), the 27-year-old Blackwood has an ugly 4.88 GAA and .875 SV%. The Sharks are one of two teams without a win this season (0-4-2) and enter the action on Tuesday as +135 road underdogs against the Anaheim Ducks, who, despite a reasonable 2-2-1 record, are second-worst in the league offensively with only 12 goals scored.

Toews has been on Injured Reserve since October 14th and could return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken. Toews has not played since the second game of the season and has one point (0G / 1A), three shots on goal, and a -2 plus/minus.

Wagner has been in and out of the lineup since the injury to Jonathan Drouin (upper-body) in Colorado's season opener. Wagner has played two games so far, recording a -1 plus/minus, three hits, and three shots on goal.

Toews' placement on IR is retroactive to October 14th, meaning he is not eligible to return for at least one more day. Toews has not played since the second game of the season and has one point (0G / 1A), three shots on goal, and a -2 plus/minus.

Wagner has been in and out of the lineup since the injury to Jonathan Drouin (upper-body) in Colorado's season opener. Wagner has played two games so far, recording a -1 plus/minus, three hits, and three shots on goal.

Drouin has been placed on Injured Reserve, retroactive to Colorado's 8-4 opening night loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on October 9th when he suffered an upper-body injury. Ross Colton has been the main beneficiary in Drouin's absence, finding himself on a dangerous top powerplay unit.

Ludvig re-enters the lineup in place of the scratched Oliver Kylington. Ludvig has played in just one game this season, registering a shot on goal and two hits in just over 18 minutes of ice time.

Kylington will draw out as John Ludvig re-enters the lineup. Kylington is yet to register a point or a shot on goal in two games this season.

Wood left Wednesday’s loss vs. Boston with an undisclosed injury after just 12:46 TOI but will return to the lineup on Friday against the Anaheim Ducks. A myriad of injuries for the Avalanche thrust Wood onto their top line alongside Logan O'Connor and Nathan MacKinnon, where he should return on Friday night.

The Sharks will continue their early-season goalie rotation and return to Blackwood between the pipes for the third time in their first five games. Blackwood was excellent in his last outing, despite a 3-2 losing effort in a shootout to the Dallas Stars, saving 36 of 38 shots (.947 SV%). The Sharks are one of three teams without a win this season (0-2-2) and enter Friday's contest as significant +317 road underdogs against the Winnipeg Jets, one of three clubs without a loss this season (3-0-0).

With William Eklund nursing an upper-body injury, Smith will draw into the lawn for his first game of the season. The 26-year-old Smith has 22 points (9G / 13A) in 155 career games and is in his first season with the Sharks organization.