Jacob MacDonald on waivers, so it appears Justin Barron has won final roster spot

More breaking news here, in a sense: The Avalanche have placed defenseman Jacob MacDonald on waivers. That means Justin Barron appears to be the winner in the game of musical chairs for an opening-night roster spot with the team.

If MacDonald clears waivers, presumably he goes to the Colorado Eagles. That does NOT have to be the case, but it’s what usually happens after a guy clears waivers. MacDonald could well be claimed by another team, too. I thought he did a lot of nice things for the Avs last season in his 33 games with the club. He showed some offensive skill, with nine points, and played a pretty responsible game in his own end.

Obviously, if MacDonald is claimed, Barron is your likely winner for the opening-night spot.

With Jack Johnson having signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Avs this morning, the Avs would have eight defensemen on the roster after whatever happens with MacDonald happens. So, they’d have 13 forwards, eight D-men and two goalies. That’s 23 players, the league max.

Of course, when Devon Toews and Pavel Francouz come back, somebody on the current roster would have to be sent down or waived. Barron, by the way, can be sent to the Colorado Eagles this season, contrary to some reports. He won’t have to go back to junior if the Avs want him to play elsewhere.