Avs Training Camp
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.
I can see the logic in this move. Give Barron a few games in the show before Toews comes back and then he has a really clear idea of everything he needs to work on the rest of the season when he likely gets sent down at that point.
I like MacDonald a lot. Shame that Sakic feels like JJ is a crutch for Barron and not JM.
am I the only one counting 24 on the roster? unless they are going to put Toews on IR there is still 24 guys on the roster. and if they are going to put Toews on IR wouldnt they have made that transaction already? Also why can Barron go to the AHL? isnt he committed to a QMJHL team?
Barron is eligible for the Eagles. Not going back to junior.