Getty Images In the latest bit of bad news for the struggling Avalanche, defenseman Erik Johnson is out indefinitely with a head injury.
Per the Denver Post, Colorado coach Joe Sacco said today after practice that Johnson will not travel with the team as it leaves on a two-game trip to Minnesota (Thursday) and Edmonton (Saturday).
Johnson left Monday’s game against Phoenix after he reportedly “awkwardly absorbed a check from Martin Hanzal.”
The 24-year-old has one assist in 11 games for the Avalanche so far this season but had consistently been playing more than 20 minutes a game, falling short of that mark only twice (and Monday was once).
The news couldn’t have really come at a worse time. Colorado (4-6-1) has lost three in a row and is still without injured captain Gabriel Landeskog (head) and star forward Ryan O’Reilly, the latter of whom is mired in a contract dispute with the club that could result in a trade.
On the bright side, defenseman Matt Hunwick (torso) and center John Mitchell (flu) are expected to be back against the Wild.
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It would cost them $24 million over 14 years.
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Cue the buyout speculation.
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Will he be challenging Ryan Miller for it?
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The home of the Oilers’ AHL affiliate.
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He’s frustrated nothing got done in Calgary.
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The big unveiling will be on June 4.
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He constructed the silver medal-winning team at the 2010 games in Vancouver.
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“It’s been pretty quiet for a while now.”
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“(Gillis’) fault all the way.”
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Additionally, Chicago will play Detroit and the Kings will host the Sharks.
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Thursday’s collection of links
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They rank first and second in shorthanded goals in the 2013 playoffs.
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It initially made it look like he suffered an injury.
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AHL Bruins blow 3-0 series lead against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
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Trent Whitfield has now been on the wrong end of history twice.
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John Tortorella would be proud.
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The Penguins “have too much depth.”
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Ottawa’s strong first period was wasted.
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Report: NHLPA director Fehr wants to address issue of fighting
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He’s been reaching out to agents and players.
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Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
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He also wants to express his gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks.
