Avalanche off-day notebook: Mikko Rantanen’s return getting close

Although this weekend is the more likely return timeframe, Jared Bednar did say there is a “chance” Mikko Rantanen could return to the lineup for Wednesday’s home game with the Edmonton Oilers. It’s probably not a huge chance. But it’s probably a bit better than this kind of chance, too:

Rantanen practiced today in the orange non-contact jersey, even taking a couple of hits out there. Bednar says that much will depend on Tuesday’s practice, that he plans to have a talk with Mikko to really gauge whether he’d be ready to play or not. So, we’re in the home stretch here, regardless, of Life Without Mikko.

The Avs could definitely use a boost, as they’ve lost two in a row and three of the last five. It feels like the expiration date on “Overachieving without Mikko and Gabe” is about due, and reinforcements are needed.

Some other injury updates:

• Landeskog had a new MRI today. We might know more of a firm timetable on his return tomorrow, but no matter what, it’s going be a little while still before Avs fans can even think about a return. I maintain by Christmas is when that’ll happen.
• Erik Johnson did not practice, with Bednar saying he was “sore” following that hit into the boards by former teammate Alexander Kerfoot – which earned him a two-game suspension from the NHL today. Bednar said he was “not happy, at all” with the hit, saying it was reckless and dangerous and that, really, the Avs got lucky that he wasn’t hurt worse. I believe the injury is to the lower body, as EJ was limping around a bit today. Bednar said he’s “questionable” to play against the Oilers.
• Colin Wilson seems to have maybe had a setback. Bednar said he’s “not close” to returning.
• Matt Calvert remains in the concussion protocol, Bednar said, though he said he was feeling better Monday.
• Bednar said he hasn’t been happy with his team’s defense in the month of November, and said he may explore some “options”, such as bringing in Calle Rosen to the lineup Wednesday. Bednar just hasn’t liked the puck management and zone exits.
• Nazem Kadri was back to centering a second line, with Andre Burakovsky back on a line with Nathan MacKinnon and Joonas Donskoi.
• I wouldn’t be shocked to see Pavel Francouz get the start for Wednesday’s game, but we’ll see.