AVALANCHE

Jared Bednar delivers bad, but perhaps not the worst news on Lehkonen

Mar 14, 2023, 12:08 PM

Arttturi Lehkonen...

(Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images)

(Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Avalanche’s big win over Montreal took a sour turn on Monday night when it was announced after the game that forward Artturi Lehkonen broke his finger.

Colorado’s 8-4 victory was quickly an afterthought. Head Coach Jared Bednar said Lehkonen would fly home to Denver and undergo surgery for the break.

After practice on Tuesday in Toronto, Bednar provided another update. This one was bad, but perhaps not the worst news. Lehkonen is going to be out a chunk of time, but could return for the playoffs.

A 4-6 week timeline is anywhere between April 11 and April 25. The regular season ends on the 14th for the Avs, with the postseason slated to get going around the 17th. That means Lehkonen could be back for the start of Round 1, or sometime during that series. It all depends on how fast the finger heals.

In 62 games, including Monday night, Lehkonen scored 20 goals and dished out 29 assists. His 49 points are fourth on the Avalanche.

But it’s a big blow to a team that’s already missing captain Gabriel Landeskog, defensemen Erik Johnson and Josh Manson, forward Darren Helm and backup goalie Pavel Francouz. Helm, Johnson and Manson should return this season, while the fate of Landeskog and Francouz remains unclear.

Regardless, the Avs have battled an unreal amount of injuries, so this is nothing new. Let’s hope they can keep things afloat until the playoffs, and then get everyone back, including Lehkonen.

***

Avalanche

Gabriel Landeskog...

Will Petersen

Jared Bednar has update on Gabriel Landeskog being around Avs

It'll be nice to have Gabriel Landeskog around the team, likely from Dec. 5 to Dec. 13 when Colorado plays five straight games at Ball Arena

1 day ago

Colorado Avalanche...

Jake Shapiro

ESPN praises Avalanche in grading team’s strong start

The Avs lead the NHL in wins, seeking a second cup in three seasons they have officially had a great start

1 day ago

Avalanche Ryan Johansen...

Will Petersen

For the first time since Stanley Cup Final, Avalanche top Lightning

New guy Ryan Johansen played hero, as Colorado's second-line center scored two goals to help the Avalanche beat Tampa Bay 4-1

2 days ago

Samuel Girard...

Will Petersen

Girard entering treatment for anxiety and depression, led to alcohol abuse

CAA announced the news on Friday night with a quote from Samuel Girard and NHL PR also released a brief statement

5 days ago

Avalanche Predators...

Will Petersen

The Avalanche absolutely fell apart in a stunning loss to Nashville

With just 39 seconds to go, the Avalanche were up 3-2, but it wasn't to be, as Colorado gave up two goals in 17 seconds to lose 4-3

8 days ago

...

Jake Shapiro

Mile High Hockey: Where does Cale rank all time?

Mike Evans discusses the solid performance of the Avs against Dallas Stars and gives his take about why Cale Makar could end up being the best defenseman of all time

9 days ago

Jared Bednar delivers bad, but perhaps not the worst news on Lehkonen