Bednar: Conor Timmins Has Earned Top-6 Spot For Now

So, I asked a question today on Jared Bednar’s Zoom call with us ink-stained wretches, given the fact that Erik Johnson was again unfit to practice: “Coach, is there a leader in the clubhouse among the D candidates to replace EJ in the starting lineup Wednesday night against the St. Louis Blues?” Bednar wasted no time at all in reply. “Yeah, Conor Timmins,” he said.

“Conor Timmins has looked fantastic,” said the Avs coach, whose former military haircut continues to evolve into something out of Haight-Ashbury in the late ’60s. “He showed up to camp in great condition. Looks bigger and stronger, more durable. He’s put some of his injury woes behind him here. He had a great summer of training and he’s looked real good in camp so far.”

After another head injury that sidelined him in the second round of the playoffs, Timmins became something more akin to a forgotten man among Avs fans. Or, better put perhaps: A player that everybody just kept shrugging their shoulders about in pity because of recurring health problems that all started with a dirty hit to the head while a junior player at Sault Ste. Marie not long after being drafted in the second round by Colorado in 2017.

Well, it appears as if rumors of Timmins’ NHL career death were greatly exaggerated.

This is great news for an Avs team that already boasted a strong top-6, with other top prospects such as Bo Byram and Justin Barron on the way. If not for the injuries, Timmins might already have had a regular top-6 spot with this team. Until EJ comes back from what is believed to be a Covid-19-related absence, it appears the 6-foot-2, 195-pound right-shot 22-year-old has just such a job title.

The Avalanche continue to hold camp with a roster that is fully active, except for Johnson. Bednar said he has liked what he’s seen from some of his other defensive prospects, including the recently-acquired Dennis Gilbert.

“Gilbert is a big, physical guy. He’s hard to play against. He’s got an edge to his game,” Bednar said. “But, for me, the leader in the clubhouse is Conor Timmins. He’s had a really good camp for us.”

Here’s audio of Bedsy’s presser: