Kelsey Hammond
When the NHL All-Star game takes place next weekend in Las Vegas, the Central Division will be without their captain, Nathan MacKinnon. That was the bad news from Avs coach Jared Bednar this morning after the morning skate, in preparation for his team’s game with the Buffalo Sabres. But there seemed to be a glimmer of good news on No. 29 too:
“I think he’s doing good. He’s not in a position where he’s going to play in the All-Star game,” said Bednar. “He’s trying to get healthy and ready to go for us when we get back.”
Returning after the break, which in this case would be a Feb. 10 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Ball Arena? That sounds promising, at least.
Bednar confirmed that MacKinnon had surgery on his nose. He didn’t say anything about the concussion MacKinnon suffered as well, from the collision with Boston’s Taylor Hall last week. Maybe that’s a good thing too.
This year would have been MacKinnon’s fifth consecutive All-Star game and third consecutive All-Star game serving as a captain. Up to this point in the season he has nine goals and 34 assists in 31 games.
Although the Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen would have been a logical choice, the NHL Sunday afternoon announced Predators defenseman Roman Josi would replace MacKinnon on the Central Division roster.
Regardless, the Avs will still be heavily represented Feb. 4-5 with Bednar, Nazem Kadri and Cale Makar heading out to Vegas.
Bednar said Darcy Kuemper will start tonight’s game against the Sabres, who are coming off a win last night in Arizona.
Bednar also said veteran defenseman Ryan Murray is close to returning. He won’t play tonight, but Tuesday against the Coyotes is a possibility. He also said Darren Helm should return soon after the break.