Latest Avalanche Updates for Blackwood, Girard Injuries

Samuel Girard and Mackenzie Blackwood have both been injured since training camp began. Neither had participated in any of the full-team skates until Girard joined the team a couple of days ago for practice.

When camp began, head coach Jared Bednar said he was hopeful they would be available for opening night on Oct. 7. However, things have shifted slightly since then.

On Girard, Bednar said the defenseman will not play Wednesday night at Vegas. But he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him dressing in Saturday’s preseason finale vs the Dallas Stars.

Blackwood is on a slightly different timeline. The starting goalie has progressed in recent weeks but not to the point where him being an option for a preseason game is a reality. Is the head coach ready to essentially rule out his starting goalie for opening night next week?

“No, I’m not, but we’re getting close to that point,” Bednar said. “Like I said, [he’d be ready] like, sometime in the start of the season, and I’m not concerned if he misses a game or two at the start of the season.”