Good news on Mikko Rantanen – and Matt Calvert

Hello from South Suburban, where the Avs are having an optional practice here.

I’ve got some pretty good news to share:

First, here’s video of Mikko Rantanen skating and handling pucks and looking like Mikko Rantanen again:

This was the first day that Rantanen did drills with teammates at a practice since going down with that lower-body injury. He’s got the pumpkin jersey on, as you can see, but Jared Bednar said he’s getting closer to a return. My hunch: by next weekend.

As you can see in the video, too, Colin Wilson did some skating as well. He did not take part in drills, however.

And, some good news on Matt Calvert: Bednar said Calvert is “feeling better” and working out off-ice. He remains in the concussion protocol, but the fact that he’s able to work out and just be up and about is obviously a good sign. Bednar said he’s still got “a couple of tests” to pass before he can get back on skates. But fears of a concussion seem to have faded.

A pretty light turnout for the optional, but some regulars are out there, including Sam Girard and Ryan Graves. Tyson Jost is skating in a regular jersey, but Bednar said Jost is “doubtful” to play against Toronto.

Remember: tomorrow’s game is at 5 p.m.

Bye for now.