(Englewood) If his head coach had had to witness the scene, he probably would have experienced a moment of anxiety: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, losing his balance and fall during the contest of the fastest skater.
However, Jared Bednar wasn’t glued to his television and had no idea what happened during the skills competition held as part of the NHL All-Star Game this weekend. Except the fact that Makar emerged unscathed from his collision with the gang.
When it comes to injuries these days, the picture is getting rosier and rosier for the defending Stanley Cup champions. Defender Bowen Byram is due to return to the roster, as is forward Valeri Nichushkin.
Defender Josh Manson is set to return. The same goes for captain Gabriel Landeskog, who hasn’t played a game so far this season. Things are also looking up for forward Darren Helm.
Despite all the sores and bruises, the Avalanche came into the All-Star Game break in a position that would have guaranteed them a playoff berth had the season ended over the weekend.
To weather the storm brought on by all those injuries, the Avalanche have called up 39 different skaters this year, which is the highest number in a single season since the team moved to Denver in 1995.
“All the players we can get right now, that’s really important,” Makar said on the eve of the start of a three-game road streak that will begin in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.
Byram will return to action after being sidelined since early November with a lower body injury. He was a key part of the Avalanche’s journey to winning the Stanley Cup last season, topping the rookie standings with nine assists.
Byram started 2022-23 with confidence — two goals and three assists in 10 games — before his injury.
“He looks in great shape. He’s full of spirit,” Makar described of his fellow defender.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t take too long for him to regain his match synchronicity. But I think he is a player capable of opening the machine fairly quickly. »
Byram missed a number of games last season after suffering from concussion symptoms. This time around, he was able to stay in the team entourage while working towards his return to play.
“I was just glad it wasn’t my face,” Byram said. “It was much easier to be on the sidelines when you still feel good and you feel like yourself. I’m just excited to start over. »
And you can bet that Byram will be available to play as many minutes as needed.
“I am 100%. So there is no reason to take it easy. I feel confident about this return to play.”
Manson will join the Avalanche during this trip, which will allow him to skate with the other players on the team. He has been sidelined since early December with a lower body injury.
“I think it helps to be on the road, to be around the guys,” Bednar said.
Landeskog could be back “pretty soon,” Bednar said, but didn’t give a set timeline. The veteran captain has been out of action since undergoing knee surgery in October.
The Avalanche came into the All-Star Game break having won seven of their previous eight games. Bednar’s men total 57 points, and chase the Dallas Stars (66 points at the break) the Winnipeg Jets (65) and the Minnesota Wild (58) in the Central Division.
What Avalanche players will want to avoid is another bad start after a break. That’s what happened after Christmas when the team went 0-4-1 after a few days off.
“We just have to bring our mentality back to a game mode. Vacations are over,” Makar said.
“We still have a long way to go. We are not where we want to be. But there is plenty of time left. »