Avalanche have two key guys out with upper-body injuries for Game 4

The Colorado Avalanche will navigate a pivotal Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild without two key players.

Only about 40 minutes before puck drop neither forward Artturi Lehkonen nor defenseman Sam Malinski were on the ice for warmups.

According to Avalanche PR, both Lehkonen and Malinski are out for the game with upper-body injuries.

Lehkonen and Malinski will not play due to upper-body injuries, per Avs team spokesman.

Malinski ran PP1 at morning skate this morning in Makar's absence.

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) May 11, 2026

This is obviously a blow as Lehkonen is a top-6 forward that head coach Jared Bednar trusts and Malinski has really come into his own this season.  He was given a larger role and rewarded with a new contract after his strong play.

In the playoffs thus far through seven games Lehkonen has six points (three goals, three assists) which is fifth on the team. Malinski has chipped in one goal and two assists.

The good news is Josh Manson, who hasn’t played since Game 3 against the Los Angeles Kings, is set to make his return to the lineup.

He takes the spot of Nick Blankenburg while Jack Ahcan is on defense for Malinski. Joel Kiviranta, also returning from injury, shuffles in for Lehkonen.

Also of note is Mackenzie Blackwood is officially replacing Scott Wedgewood in net, something that appeared very evident this morning.

It’ll be a different looking lineup for the Avalanche, one they hope can propel them to a 3-1 series lead over the Wild.

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