The Colorado Avalanche released a flurry of roster updates this evening that are detailed below:
- Injured forward Rene Bourque may return during the Avalanche’s current road trip. Bourque is day-to-day with a head injury. The fiery forward has 9G and 4A in 43 games, and zero points since the start of the new year. Bourque is having a mild resurgence year, though he hopes to regain his scoring touch as soon as possible.
- The Avalanche have sent down goaltender Spencer Martin to the San Antonio Rampage for at least this weekend—but coach Jared Bednar says Martin could stay in San Antonio for longer. Martin was sent down to get more playing time as a starter. So far the young goaltender—who is currently only 21—has a .912 SV% and a 2.72 GAA in 28 games. The Avalanche replace Martin with Jeremy Smith, who has a .911 SV% and a 2.57 GAA in 17 AHL games.
- Defenseman Tyson Barrie is slated to return to the Avalanche’s lineup very soon. Barrie suffered a lower body injury over a week ago. Barrie skated today, but will not suit up tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. As the Denver Post’s Mike Chambers points out, Barrie misses his third straight game and seventh in the past nine. It hasn’t been an ideal year for Barrie, who has 3G and 20A in 44 games but a league worst -27.