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: