Darren Helm Had New Surgery, But Return Will Be “Sooner Than Later”

I couldn’t make the optional practice today because of some parenting stuff, and neither could Brennan for the same reasons. So, the news today from Jared Bednar and the Avalanche is credited to others. The top news: Darren Helm had abductor surgery last week and was placed on Long Term Injured Reserve, according to old friend Jesse Montano from DNVR.

JB told us that Darren Helm went for another surgery last week and is now “on the mend”. #Avs

— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) November 11, 2022

Bednar had hinted something new might have come up with Helm earlier this week, but said his return would be “sooner than later.” So, while there is no official target date still with Helmer, it sounds like he’s finally gotten the proper treatment he needs and that we can count on him being back at some point reasonably soon.

Darren Helm going on LTIR also was probably a strategic cap move by GM Chris MacFarland, to better deal with his revolving door or injured players/callups.

Speaking of injured players: Bednar also said today that Shane Bowers (upper body) had an MRI this morning, but that the results aren’t yet known. As Montano reported, Bednar said there will be a forward callup from the Colorado Eagles for Saturday’s game with Carolina.

My bet is on Mikhail Maltsev, but I’d love to see Jean-Luc Foudy get a shot. Foudy, a center, has 10 points in 11 games for the Eagles.

I watched Foudy pretty closely at a recent Eagles game, and I like his hockey sense and good skating stride.

Poor Greg Cronin, though, right? The coach of the Eagles keeps losing all his top guys. But that’s how it goes in the AHL. The Eagles still continue to play pretty well, though.