Forward Nathan MacKinnon could return to play with the Colorado Avalanche this week, coach Jared Bednar said Tuesday.
The center has missed the last nine games with an upper-body injury.
“We have to watch it after this (holiday) break,” Bednar added on Altitude 92.5 FM in Denver. He will continue to skate. And hopefully between now and the New Year he can get back into the lineup. He’d be a little ahead of schedule, but it looks like he’s knocking on the door. »
MacKinnon will not play tonight against the Arizona Coyotes. Colorado will end the week with home games against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, which may be the most realistic goal for MacKinnon’s return.
MacKinnon had 34 points (eight goals, 26 assists) in 23 games and was on pace for his first 100-point season at the time of the injury, which occurred in a 5-3 loss to the Flyers. of Philadelphia, December 5.
“This guy wants to play. That’s how it’s built. You know, his injury is not easy to overcome. So no, it doesn’t surprise me that he’s coming back just a little ahead of schedule. »
The Avalanche (19-11-2) have won four straight games and are 6-2-1 since MacKinnon’s injury.
In addition to MacKinnon, Colorado is also without forwards Gabriel Landeskog (knee), Darren Helm (hip), Valeri Nichushkin (upper body), Shane Bowers (upper body) and Martin Kaut (upper body), defensemen Bowen Byram (lower body) and Josh Manson (lower body).
Goaltender Pavel Francouz (lower body) did not travel to Arizona. Jonas Johansson has been recalled from Colorado of the American Hockey League to replace Alexandar Georgiev.
“‘Frankie’ got hurt and he’s not feeling well, so he’ll probably need a little time out,” Bednar said. I don’t know the extent of his injury yet.”