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Deen’s Daily: Utah’s Injuries; New Jersey Gets Players Back; Avalanche Finding Consistency

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For the first time ever, the Avalanche will take on Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center. Before the relocation, the Arizona Coyotes seemingly gave the Avs trouble every time they played. Even in 2021-22 when Colorado was on its way to a Stanley Cup and Arizona was on the outside looking in, they played the Avs well each time.



Utah has several injuries that have hurt its lineup — more on that later. But the Avs are starting to find some consistency among their lines as they await the return of several offensive weapons. The team announced on Wednesday that 19-year-old forward Calum Ritchie was sent back to the Ontario Hockey League. After a seven-game stint and one goal, Ritchie played less than eight minutes in Colorado’s last game. He started the season in the top six before getting demoted to the third line and eventually one of the lowest-playing forwards.

The experience will only help Ritchie, who has an opportunity to dominate again for the Oshawa Generals before suiting up for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship. He’ll likely be the No. 1 center for the Canadians.

Nine years ago, the Avs kept an 18-year-old Mikko Rantanen on the roster to start the season. He dressed in nine games and had zero points before getting sent back to the AHL. He came back the following season and scored 20 goals before taking off as a point-per-game player in his second full season. I’m not sure Ritchie will have the same opportunity to develop as quickly in the NHL, but the first taste of action against the world’s best can really help a player when they get back to the big club in Year 2.

Around The NHL

Utah Hockey Club: Starting with Colorado’s Thursday night opponent, Utah Hockey Club recently announced two massive long-term injuries. John Marino and Sean Durzi — two parts of Utah’s top four on the blueline — will be out months. Durzi had shoulder surgery and isn’t expected back for six months while Marino’s recovery is 3-4 months for lower back surgery.

The club coached by Andre Tourigny will try to solve their blueline issues in-house before looking elsewhere. Young towering defenseman Maveric Lamoureux was called up on Wednesday and will likely make his NHL debut against Colorado.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Marino’s former club, the New Jersey Devils, are on the opposite end of the injury news updates. Both Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes were reactivated from the IR and will return on Thursday in Detroit. Neither has played a game yet this season. For Pesce, it’ll be his debut for New Jersey after signing on as an unrestricted free agent.

Detroit Hockey Now: Speaking of Detroit, the Red Wings have been pairing Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson. This towering duo will likely be the top pair for years to come.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins are still trying to find their stride on offense. They were 1-1-1 on a recent three-game road trip with their only victory coming against the Avalanche. Boston was blanked 4-0 by the Nashville Predators, who finally earned their first win after an 0-5-0 start.

Colorado's premier coverage of the Avalanche from professional hockey people. Evan Rawal, Editor-in-Chief. Part of the National Hockey Now family.

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