Avalanche News
Avalanche Lose Depth Forward For Indefinite Period
Joel Kiviranta is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury
The Avalanche will be without Joel Kiviranta for an extended period, the team announced ahead of Saturday’s morning skate.
Kiviranta suffered a lower-body injury and is out indefinitely. The 30-year-old forward played in each of the first five games, but suffered the ailment in Columbus. He has three shots and a plus-1 rating.
“He got hurt last game. He’s going to miss some time,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “I don’t have a solid timeline, it’s going to be weeks.”
Without him, the Avalanche are dressing rookie center Zakhar Bardakov. The 24-year-old, who came over from the KHL this year, is set to make his NHL debut. Bardakov is going to center the fourth line, likely alongside wingers Parker Kelly and Gavin Brindley.
The Avs take on Casey Mittelstadt and the Boston Bruins at Ball Arena on Saturday. The team is 4-0-1 through five games, looking to extend its season-opening unbeaten streak to six games for the second time in three years.
