Colorado Avalanche Camp Day 2: Nichushkin Skates, Manson Back Tomorrow

I was able to make it to just the second group of Colorado Avalanche skaters today during training camp. Before I arrived I was told that both Val Nichushkin and Darren Helm were skating on their own in non contact sweaters after the main group. Josh Manson welcomed his second child into the world last night and is expected back to camp tomorrow morning. Nichushkin and Helm are both unclear at when they will return from their injuries.

As for the skaters in group two, it was full of the players from the Colorado Eagles again. Coach Jared Bednar pushed the group hard once more, trying to test their limits. We saw a variety of drills that test their skills and positioning.

There were a couple of  standouts today. Martin Kaut, who knows that this maybe his last chance to make the Avalanche, pushed himself today. There seemed to be some extra push in his step today. Last year he suffered a shoulder injury on the last day of training camp and he was looking really good. Unfortunately, he was never able to bounce back from the injury. He has been skating with Jean-Luc Foudy and Jayson Megna, his line last season with the Eagles. Kaut said he does like the chemistry of the line, and it looks like it is helping his game.

Kaut with a nice screen at the end on a skater to set up a shot on net. He knows his time is limited and it shows in his skating today. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry pic.twitter.com/Xj7rkGKvxB

— Brennan Vogt (@AvsTerritory) September 23, 2022

Another player that was looking impressive today was Sampo Ranta. He is another player that has said the he feels like this could be his last chance to make the Avalanche. Ranta was getting some great shots off from the blue-line as well as being more physical to gain puck possession. He was showing some great positioning in order to open himself up for passes as well.

Ranta with a nice shot from the blue-line, too much traffic in front though. #GoAvsGo #Avs #EaglesCountry pic.twitter.com/j9usavOHUW

— Brennan Vogt (@AvsTerritory) September 23, 2022

There are a few Colorado Avalanche players that will be bubble players this year like Charles Hudon and Brad Hunt, but only time will tell who makes the squad. I will be at the whole practice starting tomorrow morning 8:45 AM and going until 1:00 PM. I will have more on the veteran group tomorrow and how they are looking. So stay tuned and we will see you tomorrow!