The Colorado Avalanche are nearing full health. I know that seems shocking, but they could be as little as a couple of weeks away. Players have been working their way back from injury, and the lineup will fill in. Goaltending has already taken a step in the right direction as of Thursday, with signs showing that Mackenzie Blackwood is very close to a return.

Who is closest?

On Tuesday afternoon, the Avalanche placed goaltender Trent Miner on waivers for reassignment. Miner cleared waivers and reported to the Colorado Eagles on Wednesday, but did not play. Tuesday was the first time that fans saw Blackwood on the bench this season, showing that he is very close to a return to playing. Blackwood, who is the designated starter for the Avalanche. He has not played in a single game yet this season.

Logan O’Connor has been practicing with the team and will travel on this upcoming road trip. He will not play, though. O’Connor had hip surgery in late May of this year, sidelining him for 5–6 months. He could be back as early as the first part of November.

What it does to the lineup

With Blackwood coming back, it pushes Miner to the AHL with the Colorado Eagles. There Miner will get plenty of playing time and starts rather than ride the bench. This will also give Scott Wedgewood a chance to get some much-needed rest. He has been holding the fort, and his play has slipped as of late. As for O’Connor, this is where it gets tricky. Gavin Brindley has proven himself as an NHL third or fourth line player. Zakhar Bardakov has also stepped up his game as of late, scoring his first NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils.

There will be choices that have to be made with the forwards. Brindley has become too useful of a tool to sit him on the bench. But Bardakov plays center, and that is where the Avalanche are lacking depth. So who would you sit if the choice was yours?