Colorado Avalanche News

After serving as the backup to Alexandar Georgiev in their first five games (1-4-0), the Avalanche will roll with Annunen between the pipes for the third straight game. In his two starts (2-0-0), the only two games Colorado has allowed fewer than three goals, the 24-year-old Annunen has been terrific, saving 50 of 53 shots. Colorado enters action on Thursday, looking for their fourth straight victory, as -150 road favorites against the Utah Hockey Club.

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.

Thanks to the struggles of Alexandar Georgiev, Annunen will get the chance to make back-to-back starts when the Avalanche travel to Seattle on Tuesday. Annunen delivered a strong performance his last time out, allowing just one goal on 26 shots against in a 4-1 victory over the Sharks on Sunday. The 24-year-old netminder owns an .884 SV% and a 2.70 GAA in three appearances this season. The Avalanche enter action on Tuesday as slight road favourites at -130.

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.

Despite a surprising 0-4-0 start to the season, the Avalanche, one of three teams without a win this season, will turn to Georgiev in the crease for the fifth straight game to start the season. Georgiev had a rough 2023-24 campaign, posting a pedestrian 3.02 GAA and .897 SV% in 63 games (38-18-5), but the 28-year-old netminder has been abysmal to start the 2024-25 season, showcasing an unsightly 5.79 GAA and .802 SV%. That said, the Avalanche enter Friday's matchup as sizeable -254 home favorites in search of their first win of the season when they host the Anaheim Ducks.

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.

Drouin played 21:25 in Colorado's season-opening 8-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights but has not returned to practice since. Ross Colton has been the main beneficiary in Drouin's absence, finding himself on a dangerous top powerplay unit.

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

Colorado’s list of key injuries continues to grow after Miles Wood left Wednesday’s loss vs. Boston with an undisclosed injury after just 12:46 TOI. Coach Jared Bednar did not have any updates in Colorado’s post-game press conference and confirm Wood was still being evaluated.

Ludvig will draw back out of the lineup after making his Avalanche debut against the Islanders on Monday. Calvin de Haan will re-enter the lineup in his place.

de Haan will re-enter the lineup after being a healthy scratch for Monday's game against the Islanders. John Ludvig will sit in his place.