Bo Byram Practices, Avalanche recall players from Eagles

As we reported last night, Bo Byram did indeed practice today, in a non-contact jersey. It’s the latest in a Byram rehab stint, and of course we all hope it goes well and he’s back in the lineup soon.

After practice, the NHL announced the Avs’ upcoming back-to-back scheduled games against the Stars — at Ball Arena Wednesday and at Dallas Friday — have joined the already long list of postponements because of COVID-19 issues. So the Avalanche have played their final game of 2021. The earliest they could play again is January 2 against the Ducks.

Here’s a brief video Terry Frei took of Byram skating today (and, subscribe to my YouTube channel please. It’s free).

The other guy in that video, in a red sweater, is Ryan Murray.

The Avs today recalled goalie Hunter Miska and forward Cal Burke from the Eagles. Both have been assigned to the newly reformed “taxi squad” that was a feature of last season. The Avs also recalled Mikhail Maltsev.

Miska, until Jan. 5, is your new Avs backup goalie. Or, maybe that’ll change in the coming days, who knows? Maybe Justus Annunen will be called up to play a certain game. At this point, roster stuff is anybody’s guess.

UPDATE: Coach Jared Bednar was not made available today. It was just Darcy Kuemper and J.T. Compher. Kuemper said he had no symptoms from Covid, being on the list, but that he spent much of the time locked away in his basement. … Compher said he had slight symptoms, but feels fine now. Compher said “We’ll be ready to play (Wednesday) if we get the chance.”