Avalanche Weekly Wrap: Kovalenko Coming? Landeskog Back on Skates

There was a lot of sitting around for the Colorado Avalanche this week. After playing four games in six days last week, they were off until Friday. But in the games they did play, they took care of business.

Maybe the bigger news this week was off the ice. Gabriel Landeskog started skating again, Cale Makar was back in concussion protocol, and I dug into Nikolai Kovalenko’s future plans a little more.

Let’s take a look back at a week where the Avalanche played near perfect hockey.

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Monday

For the first time in several months, Gabriel Landeskog was back in Denver, and more importantly, back on the ice.

After a dynamite week, Nathan MacKinnon was named the second star of the week by the NHL.

In the win over the Oilers, the turning point was two big saves in the third period. Except one was not by a goaltender. (+)

Tuesday

The news was not as good on Tuesday. Cale Makar found himself back in concussion protocol after a hit to the head a few days prior.

Justus Annunen talked about improving in the AHL and his first win of the season in the NHL.

Wednesday

We updated our trade board, as lots of moves had been made to take previous options off the board.

In a bit of a surprise, Makar was back in skates on Wednesday, skating with skills coach Shawn Allard.

Thursday

At practice on Thursday, the Avs made it clear: They want the top spot in the Western Conference.

Friday

Is J.T. Compher the Answer to the Second Line Center Question for the Avalanche?

The Avalanche went into Winnipeg and dominated the Jets.

Bowen Byram is a gift for the Avalanche.

Saturday

I talked to some people in the know, and “it’s pretty possible” Nikolai Kovalenko comes to the Avalanche in 2024.

The Turning Point against the Jets involved Byram going wild. (+)

The Avalanche made a move in net, acquiring veteran goaltender Keith Kinkaid.

On Saturday night, the Avalanche and their fans gave Nazem Kadri a lot of love in his return to Denver.

The Avalanche dominated the Flames, winning their fifth straight game.

Denis Malgin was all smiles after scoring a highlight reel goal.

Sunday

The fourth line is proving to be extremely valuable, and Alexandar Georgiev was stellar agains the Flames.

Breaking down Malgin’s goal in the Turning Point. (+)

The team re-acquired Jack Johnson, in exchange for Andreas Englund.