If Ross Colton can’t suit up for Game 2 on Monday, the Colorado Avalanche may tap in their captain for his much-anticipated return.
Colton left the Avs’ 5-1 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday with what’s been listed as a lower-body injury.
The second-year centre left early in the third period of Colorado’s victory and did not return.
Head coach Jared Bednar spoke to reporters on Sunday, and while he had no update on Colton’s status, he did make it known that if the 28-year-old is unavailable, Gabriel Landeskog would be an option to replace him.
Bednar responded with a simple “yes” when asked if the winger was at a point in his recovery that he’d be able to slot in for Ross if needed.
The Avs’ bench boss noted on Friday that Landeskog would be “an option” for the lineup ahead of Game 1 but ultimately ruled out the captain ahead of Saturday’s win.
Landeskog rejoined the Avalanche earlier this week for practice after a two-game rehab stint in the AHL.
The Swedish star has battled knee injuries for the last three years and has had two surgeries along the way. His last NHL appearance was Colorado’s Game 6 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.
The former Stanley Cup champion with Colorado has logged 738 games throughout his 11-year career, posting 248 goals and 323 assists for 571 total points. He’s also a plus-77 through that span.
The Avalanche look to take a 2-0 series lead on Monday night, as they stay put in Dallas to take on the Stars. Puck drop will be at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT, available on Sportsnet 360 or Sportsnet+.
Bengali (Bangladesh) · 
English (United States) ·