The Colorado Avalanche may have to navigate the coming stretch without their biggest superstar after forward Nathan MacKinnon sustained an injury.
MacKinnon’s Injury and Roster Moves
Following Nathan MacKinnon’s lower-body injury in Thursday night’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre, the Avalanche have recalled forward Gavin Brindley from their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. MacKinnon exited the game after appearing to injure his right side while attempting a reverse hit on Senators defenseman Artem Zub. His final shift came at the 8:15 mark of the second period, and he initially remained on the bench before heading down the tunnel and failing to return for the remainder of the contest.
Gavin Brindley’s Season and Call-Up History
Brindley, known for his speed and offensive ability, has been called up several times this season. He previously spent time with the Avalanche while forward Logan O’Connor recovered from a lower-body injury and during O’Connor’s absence following the death of his father, Myles Connor. Brindley has made the most of his opportunities with the Eagles this season, recording 16 points consisting of six goals and 10 assists in 10 games. His point-per-game production has helped keep him in the conversation as an option whenever Colorado needs reinforcements up front.
He has yet to find the back of the net in five NHL appearances this season, recording one assist while averaging 8:54 of ice time per game. Brindley has already come close to delivering a memorable moment at the NHL level this season during Colorado’s Oct. 14 matchup against the Dallas Stars, where he appeared to score a wrist-shot goal that prompted the goal horn to sound and the arena to celebrate. A replay revealed that the puck had struck both posts without crossing the goal line, leaving Brindley without his first NHL goal of the season in a game the Avalanche ultimately lost 3-2 in a shootout.
With MacKinnon potentially sidelined for an undetermined period of time, Brindley gets another opportunity to make an impact at the NHL level to help the team navigate the absence of one of its most important players.
