The Colorado Avalanche, with their goaltenders returning to the lineup, encountered unfortunate news. Right now the Avs are without Gabriel Landeskog, Devon Toews, and Joel Kiviranta. They have been using a patchwork of players from the Colorado Eagles to fill the gaps. Forward Ross Colton was missing from practice on Thursday with an apparent injury.

According to Colleen Flynn of Mile High Sports, Colton is out with an upper-body injury. For now, they will list him as day-to-day, but it’s unclear if he will play in the Nashville game. With the injury to Landeskog, Colton has been playing up on the second line. He has only four assists in his last five games, and his last goal came on November 26th against the San Jose Sharks.

During practice on Thursday, the team moved Gavin Brindley up to fill Colton’s spot on the wing. The Avs have used Brindley in roles like this, sliding him up and down the lineup to fill the gaps for injured players. This is part of what makes Brindley so valuable as a rookie.

Who could be the next call-up?

The Avalanche could recall Ivan Ivan. He has been a recent favorite of the Avalanche management because he can play both wing and center, besides his gritty style of play. Nikita Prishchepov has been on a roll lately for the Eagles. In the last three games, he has six points (1g/5a) playing as a center for the first time in the AHL. Head coach Mark Letestu has given Prishchepov high praise for his ability to adapt to the new situation and excel in the role.

No matter who the Avalanche call-up, Colton is just another injured body to add to the list. Hopefully, he is not out too long and can come back soon so the Avs don’t have to use too many replacement players.