Description: Colorado Avalanche winger Milan Hejduk (shoulder) has missed the last seven games, but is probable for Saturday's game with Vancouver.
Insight: Hejduk has four goals and seven assists in 27 games this season. He's always been a good scorer, putting at least 20 goals in the net in 11 of the past 12 seasons, but injuries and the shortened schedule will likely conspire to keep him from posting even a 10-goal season this time.
Description: Avalanche netminder Semyon Varlamov is dealing with a hip injury and will miss at least the next two games.
Insight: Varlamov will not travel with the team for its two-game California road trip. He is 10-18-3 with a 3.02 GAA and .902 SV% this season, so it's unlikely anyone will miss him. Jean-Sebastien-Gigure, who ripped into the team's young players after Monday's loss to Calgary, will start in his place.
Description: Avalanche right wing Chuck Kobasew is expected to miss Satday's game against Phoenix due to a torso injury.
Insight: Kobasew has missed the past three games and was scoreless in the five before that. He's managed just eight points in 32 games this season. There are much better fantasy options out there.
Description: Avalanche right wing Chuck Kobasew is expected to miss Friday's game against Detroit due to a torso injury.
Insight: Kobasew has missed the past two games and was scoreless in the five before that. He's managed just eight points in 32 games this season. There are much better fantasy options out there.
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger David Jones is expected to miss Friday's game against Detroit with a knee injury. He's missed the last six Colorado games.
Insight: Jones has cracked the 20-goal mark in each of the past two seasons, though he has posted just three goals and seven points through 27 games and an ugly -11 rating. It's safe to drop him.
Description: Avalanche center Matt Duchene logged goal No. 15 Tuesday against the Predators.
Insight: Duchene is having a career year in his fourth season, putting up 35 points in 35 games. As is the case with all of Colorado's fantasy stars, he has a negative plus/minus (-8).
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger David Jones is questionable for Tuesday's game against Nashville with a knee injury. He's missed the last five Colorado games.
Insight: Jones has cracked the 20-goal mark in each of the past two seasons, though he has posted just three goals and seven points through 27 games and an ugly -11 rating.
Description: Avalanche netminder Semyon Varlamov stopped 34 shots Saturday in a 1-0 win against Nashville.
Insight: Saturday was Varlamov's 11th career shutout and his third clean slate of the season. Varlamov had lost three games in a row before Saturday's victory so don't expect outings like this to become a regular occurrence.
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger David Jones is doubtful for Saturday's game against Nashville with a knee injury.
Insight: Jones has cracked the 20-goal mark in each of the past two seasons, though he has posted just three goals and seven points through 27 games and an ugly -11 rating.
Description: Colorado forward Gabriel Landeskog has scored five goals over his last six games.
Insight: Landeskog, the Avs 20-year-old captain, missed a month with a concussion this season and also dealt with a torso injury earlier this month. He has seven goals and 12 points in 20 games this season.
Description: Colorado center Ryan O'Reilly has two goals and seven points over his last four games.
Insight: O'Reilly (55 points in 81 games last season) has four goals and 13 points in 13 games since making his season debut following a lengthy holdout.
Description: Colorado defenseman Ryan Wilson is out indefinitely after re-injuring his ankle. He was placed on the injured reserve Tuesday. This is the same injury that has kept him sidelined for all but three games since Feb 2.
Insight: Not a goal scorer, Wilson has accumulated just three points this season in 12 games. He managed to post 21 points last season with a +11 rating, but isn't fantasy worthy this time around.
Description: Colorado center Paul Stastny will miss up to 10 days with his bruised left foot he suffered while blocking a shot.
Insight: Stastny has accumulated 19 points (8 G, 11 A) in 31 games, but fantasy owners have to deal with his ugly plus/minus rating this season (-11) and low penalty total if they want him in their lineup.
Description: Colorado center Paul Stastny is questionable for Wednesday's game against Calgary with a bruised left foot.
Insight: Stastny has accumulated 19 points (8 G, 11 A), but fantasy owners have to deal with his still dropping plus/minus rating this season (-11) and low penalty total.
Description: Avs right wing P.A. Parenteau was involved with both of Colorado's goals Sunday in a loss to Vancouver.
Insight: He assisted on Jamie McGinn's goal in the first period before scoring one of his own late in the third period. Parenteau has scored at least once in four of his last six games.
Description: Colorado goaltender Semyon Varlamov will sit Sunday while Jean-Sebastien Giguere gets the start in net against the Wild.
Insight: Varlamov has regressed in his second season with the Avs. He is 9-14-3 with a 3.04 GAA and .904 SV%. Gigure has been worse, putting up a 3.16 GAA in seven appearances.
Description: Colorado left wing Gabriel Landeskog (torso) will be a game-time decision Sunday against the Canucks, according to the Denver Post.
Insight: Landeskog, the Avs 20-year-old captain, is in the midst of a four game scoring streak in which he has scored four goals with five points. He missed a month with a concussion and has played 18 games and scored six goals with 11 points this season.
Description: Avalanche right wing P.A. Parenteau scored his 13th goal of the season Saturday against Dallas.
Insight: Parenteau was coming off his longest streak of the season without a point (two games). He has put up 29 points in 30 games and 12 in 11 games this month.
Description: Colorado left wing Gabriel Landeskog will miss Saturday's game due to a torso injury, according to the Denver Post.
Insight: Landeskog, the Avs 20-year-old captain, is in the midst of a four game scoring streak in which he has scored four goals with five points. He missed a month with a concussion and has played 18 games and scored six goals with 11 points this season.
Description: Colorado center Paul Stastny is expected to miss at least one week with a bruised left foot.
Insight: Stastny has accumulated 19 points (8 G, 11 A), but fantasy owners have to deal with his still dropping plus/minus rating this season (-11) and low penalty total.
Description: Avalanche right wing Chuck Kobasew had a productive outing Wednesday night in a win over the Stars (one goal, one assist, +4).
Insight: Two of Kobasew's four goals this season have come in the last three games. His 13 minutes of ice time Wednesday were the most he's seen since February 20th against St. Louis.
Description: Colorado center Mark Olver had a strong game against Dallas on Wednesday night (one goal, one assist, +3).
Insight: Olver (three goals, two assists in 20 games) is only averaging about nine minutes of ice time per game. Unless he moves up to the second or third line, which seems unlikely, we wouldn't expect him to be a factor in fantasy the rest of the season.
Description: Colorado defenseman Ryan Wilson (ankle) is out until at least Saturday after being placed on the injured reserve. This is the same injury that has kept him sidelined for all but three games since Feb 2.
Insight: Not a goal scorer, Wilson has accumulated just three points this season in 11 games. He managed to post 21 points last season with a +11 rating, but probably isn't fantasy worthy.
Description: Colorado defenseman Ryan Wilson is questionable for Wednesday's game against Dallas while dealing with an ankle injury. This is the same injury that has kept him sidelined for all but three games since Feb 2.
Insight: Not a goal scorer, Wilson has accumulated just three points this season in 11 games. He managed to post 21 points last season with a +11 rating, but probably isn't fantasy worthy.
Description: Colorado defenseman Erik Johnson (head) has been activated from the injured list, though its still not certain he will play Friday versus Chicago.
Insight: Johnson had fantasy value back in 2009-10 when he put up 10 goals, 39 points, 79 penalty minutes and 186 shots, but his numbers have been dropping steadily since then. He has just one point in 11 games this season and fantasy owners should take a wait-and-see attitude before putting him on a roster or starting him.
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger Milan Hejduk has missed the last two games and is doubtful for Friday's game against Chicago with a torso injury. It appears to be the same injury that he suffered early in the season.
Insight: Hejduk has three goals and six assists in 20 games this season. He's always been a good scorer, putting at least 20 goals in the net in 11 of the past 12 seasons, but injuries and the shortened schedule will likely conspire to keep him from posting another 20-goal season.
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger Milan Hejduk missed Tuesday and is questionable for Wednesday against Chicago with a torso injury. It appears to be the same injury that he suffered early in the season.
Insight: Hejduk has three goals and six assists in 20 games this season. He's always been a good scorer, putting at least 20 goals in the net in 11 of the past 12 seasons.
Description: Avalanche goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere is back with the team after attending his mother's funeral in Montreal and will start Tuesday against the Red Wings, according to the Denver Post.
Insight: Giguere (2-0-1, 2.87 GAA) only has four appearances and 209 minutes under his belt this season as Semyon Varlamov's backup.
Description: Avalanche right wing P.A. Parenteau had a goal on two shots Sunday versus the Blue Jackets.
Insight: Parenteau hasn't gone more than one game without a point this season. He has nine goals and 18 points in 20 games during his first season in Colorado.
Description: Avalanche center Ryan O'Reilly will make his season debut Sunday against Columbus. Colorado matched Calgary's two-year offer sheet to O'Reilly earlier this week.
Insight: O'Reilly (55 points in 81 games last season) played in the KHL during the lockout so rust shouldn't be an issue. If the 22-year-old is still available in your league, scoop him up quickly before somebody else does.
Description: Colorado forward Ryan O'Reilly will practice Saturday with the team after being medically cleared to play. O'Reilly hasn't played this season due to a contract dispute.
Insight: The Calgary Flames filed an offer sheet Thursday that was quickly matched by Colorado, ending O'Reilly's lengthy holdout. The center, who had 18 goals and 37 assists last season for the Avs, played in the KHL until Jan. 24 but returned to North America to rehab an ankle injury. His return could bump breakout player Matt Duchene down to the second line.
Description: The Avalanche have decided to match Calgary's offer sheet for center Ryan O'Reilly.
Insight: Well that settles that. After a month-long contract dispute, it appears O'Reilly finally got what he wanted. O'Reilly should be able to provide fantasy owners with a nice scoring boost as soon as he gets back into playing shape.
Description: TSN reports that the Flames have offered restricted free agent Ryan O'Reilly a two year, $10 million contract.
Insight: The Avalanche still have seven days to match Calgary's offer so this isn't a done deal quite yet. O'Reilly hasn't appeared in any games this season as he continues to wait out his contract dispute. In 81 contests last season, the 22-year-old tallied 18 goals and 37 assists.
Description: Avalanche center Matt Duchene (groin) will return to action Thursday after missing Tuesday's game, according to the Denver Post.
Insight: Duchene is playing at a point-per-game pace even though he didn't have one in his last three games. The 2009 third overall draft pick struggled last season but he has a lot of talent and a prime role on Colorado's top line when healthy.
Description: Avalanche center Matt Duchene will miss Tuesday's game with a groin injury. SOURCE: Denver Post
Insight: Duchene is playing at a point-per-game pace even though he didn't have one in his last three games. The 2009 third overall draft pick struggled last season but he has a lot of talent and a prime role on Colorado's top line when healthy.
Description: Colorado left wing Gabriel Landeskog skated 19 minutes, had one assists, two shots and four hits Saturday against the Kings in his return from a concussion.
Insight: Landeskog, the Avs 20-year-old captain, notched 22 goals and 30 assists as a rookie last season but he hadn't played since Jan. 26.
Description: Colorado left wing Gabriel Landeskog is probable for Saturday's game against Los Angeles after being activated from the injured reserve list yesterday. Landeskog has been out since late January while recovering from a concussion.
Insight: Landeskog notched 22 goals and 30 assists as a rookie last season so obviously the kid can play. He's a must start if in uniform.
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger Milan Hejduk has been upgraded to probable for Saturday's game against Los Angeles while dealing with an upper body injury.
Insight: Hejduk has scored at least 20 goals in 11 of the past 12 seasons. He's started off solidly with a pair of goals and five assists in 15 games playing primarily with John Mitchell and Cody McLeod on the Avs' third line.
Description: Colorado left wing Gabriel Landeskog has officially been activated from the injured reserve list. Landeskog has been out since late January while recovering from a concussion.
Insight: Landeskog will return to the lineup Saturday against Los Angeles. Landeskog notched 22 goals as a rookie last season so obviously this kid can play. He's still available in almost 49 percent of ESPN leagues so now would be a great time to scoop him up.
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger Milan Hejduk is questionable for Saturday's game against Los Angeles with an upper body injury.
Insight: Hejduk has scored at least 20 goals in 11 of the past 12 seasons. He's started off solidly with a pair of goals and five assists in 15 games playing primarily with John Mitchell and Cody McLeod on the Avs' third line.
Description: Colorado goaltender Semyon Varlamov notched his second shutout of the season Wednesday in a 1-0 win over St. Louis.
Insight: He kicked away all 33 of the shots the Blues fired at him. Varlamov had allowed 10 goals in his previous two starts so this effort represents a noticeable improvement for the 24-year-old.
Description: Montreal netminder Peter Budaj turned away 19 shots Monday for his first shutout of the season.
Insight: Budaj only got the start because starter Carey Price has been bothered by the flu. Once Price is recovered, most fantasy owners will be sending Budaj back to the waiver wire.
Description: Colorado center Paul Stastny registered a goal and an assist Monday against Nashville.
Insight: The goal was Stastny's fourth of the season and his first since February 2nd against Edmonton. Fantasy owners can't be too thrilled with Stastny's horrible plus/minus rating this season (-7).
Description: Avalanche center Matt Duchene had a goal and two assists Monday in a win against the Predators.
Insight: Duchene (six goals, 11 assists) is gaining steam quickly. He's now scored at least once in each of his last four games. Sky's the limit for this talented 22-year-old.
Description: Avalanche right wing Aaron Palushaj netted his second goal of the season Monday in a win over Nashville.
Insight: The 23-year-old also handed out two assists. It's too early to tell if Palushaj will be a factor in fantasy this season but if he keeps this up, owners will have to start paying attention to him.
Description: Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog (concussion) skated Sunday for the third consecutive day and could be back in the near future, but there is still no announcement.
Insight: He has missed nine games to date. This was a big blow to fantasy owners and the Avalanche as much is expected from the second-year winger after he posted 52 points last season.
Description: Avalanche goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere has returned to the team after spending time with his very ill mother.
Insight: Giguere has made three appearances and is 2-0 with a 2.48 GAA and a .919 save percentage. He also posted strong numbers as Colorado's backup in 2011-12: 15 wins, 2.28 GAA and .919 SV% in 32 apperances.
Description: The Canadiens will likely start Peter Budaj in net on Saturday with Carey Price suffering from a stomach flu.
Insight: Budaj is 0-1-1 this season with a 4.32 GAA and .866 save percentage. Facing the high-scoring Lightning is not the time to pick him up for a spot start.
Description: Avalanche goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere is expected to miss Saturday's game against Edmonton for personal reasons.
Insight: Giguere has made three appearances and is 2-0 with a 2.48 GAA and a .919 save percentage. He all posted strong numbers as Colorado's backup in 2011-12: 15 wins, 2.28 GAA and .919 SV% in 32 apperances.
Description: Avalanche goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere will draw the start Thursday against the Wild.
Insight: Giguere has only made two appearances and one start all season but he posted strong numbers as Colorado's backup in 2011-12: 15 wins, 2.28 GAA and .919 SV% in 32 apperances.
Description: Colorado defenseman Erik Johnson (head) is out indefinitely. SOURCE: Denver Post
Insight: Johnson had fantasy value back in 2009-10 when he put up 10 goals, 39 points, 79 penalty minutes and 186 shots, but his numbers have been dropping steadily since then. He has just one point in 11 games this season.
Description: Colorado winger Cody McLeod is questionable for Thursday's game against Minnesota with an undisclosed injury.
Insight: McLeod's value to fantasy owners is exclusively due to his ability to rack up penalty minutes. While he's averaged just 13 points per season over the last five campaigns, he's put up an average of 154 minutes in penalties.
Description: Avalanche center John Mitchell is questionable for Wednesday's game against Minnesota because of the flu.
Insight: Mitchell has been hot lately, producing five points in his last four games and seven points this season. Hopefully for fantasy owners he'll be able to play again Wednesday.
Description: Colorado defenseman Erik Johnson is questionable for Wednesday's game against Minnesota with an upper body injury after taking a hard hit from the Coyotes Martin Hanzal.
Insight: Johnson had fantasy value back in 2009-10 when he put up 10 goals, 39 points, 79 penalty minutes and 186 shots, but his numbers have been dropping in the seasons since then. At this point he's got little fantasy value even when healthy.
Description: Avalanche center John Mitchell will miss Monday's game against Phoenix because of the flu.
Insight: Mitchell has been hot lately, producing five points in his last four games. Hopefully for fantasy owners he'll be able to play again Thursday against Minnesota.
Description: Avalanche defenseman Matt Hunwick will miss Monday's game against Phoenix with an upper body injury.
Insight: Hunwick had just six points last season in 33 games and is showing nothing again this season with no goals and no assists through seven games. Nothing to see here, fantasy owners move on.
Description: The Canadiens will start Peter Budaj in net for an away game against Buffalo Thursday night.
Insight: Starter Carey Price draws most of Montreal's starts, especially when he is playing as well as he has this season (6-2, 1.74 GAA). Price is coming off a tough-luck loss to Boston last night so Budaj (0-1, 5.00 GAA) will get a shot Thursday.
Description: Colorado defenseman Ryan Wilson is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Anaheim with an ankle injury.
Insight: Not a goal scorer, Wilson still managed to post 21 points last season with a +11 rating, but probably isn't fantasy worthy unless your blueline has numerous injuries.
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger David Jones has been downgraded to doubtful for Wednesday's game against Anaheim with a knee injury.
Insight: Jones has cracked the 20-goal mark in each of the past two seasons, though he has posted just one point through seven games and an ugly -8 rating.
Description: Colorado defenseman Ryan Wilson is questionable for Monday's game against Dallas with an ankle injury.
Insight: Not a goal scorer, Wilson still managed to post 21 points last season with a +11 rating, but probably isn't fantasy worthy unless your blueline has numerous injuries.
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger David Jones is questionable for Monday's game against Dallas due to a knee injury suffered last Thursday.
Insight: Jones has cracked the 20-goal mark in each of the past two seasons, though he has posted just one point through seven games and an ugly -8 rating.
Description: Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog has been placed in the injured reserve list. He's out indefinitely with a head injury he suffered when he was leveled by Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart last Saturday.
Insight: This is a big blow to fantasy owners and the Avalanche as Landeskog won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie last season. After scoring 22 goals on 270 shots with 30 assists and a solid +20 rating much is expected of Landeskog this season.
Description: Colorado Avalanche winger David Jones is expected to miss Saturday's game due to a knee injury suffered on Thursday.
Insight: Jones has cracked the 20-goal mark in each of the past two seasons, though he has posted just one point in the early going and an ugly -8 rating.
Description: Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog is out indefinitely with head and leg injuries he suffered when he was leveled by Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart on Saturday. SOURCE: Denver Post
Insight: Landeskog won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie last season after scoring 22 goals on 270 shots with 30 assists. He was able to return to Saturday's game without issue after the hit so it's surprising that these injuries have popped up.
Description: Colorado will start Semyon Varlamov Wednesday against the Canucks.
Insight: Varlamov's two strongest performances this season came against struggling offenses. Eleven of his 12 goals allowed have come against Minnesota, San Jose and Edmonton. Vancouver has a below-average 2.40 GFA and hasn't been getting off many shots on goal so Varlamov is an average play Wednesday.
Description: Montreal backup goalie Peter Budaj will get the start Wednesday, his first of the season. The way starter Carey Price is playing, this may be a rare occurrence.
Insight: Price has played the Canadians' first five games, going 4-1 with a 1.98 GAA and a .924 save percentage.
Description: Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog missed Saturday's game at Edmonton and there is no current timetable for his return, according to a Denver Post report. He took a hard hit from Brad Stuart Saturday and though he returned to that game, head/neck symptoms kept him out of the lineup on Monday.
Insight: Landeskog won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie last season after scoring 22 goals on 270 shots with 30 assists. He has a goal through four games this season.
Description: Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog was leveled in the head by Sharks D Brad Stuart Saturday and had to leave the game but he later returned and finished the game without issue. SOURCE: Denver Post
Insight: Landeskog won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie last season after scoring 22 goals on 270 shots with 30 assists. He has one goal with zero assists through four games this season.
Description: Avalanche netminder Semyon Varlamov was yanked after allowing four goals in two periods on Saturday against the Sharks. Jean-Sebastien Gigure took over in net to start the third period.
Insight: Varlamov was coming off a shutout of Columbus and possessed a 1.68 GAA and 948 SV% prior to this game but he couldn't handle San Jose's unstoppable power play unit. The Avs don't play a back-to-back until Jan. 30-31 so Varlamov could start again on Monday against Edmonton.
Description: Avalanche netminder Semyon Varlamov will start again Saturday against the Sharks.
Insight: Varlamov is coming off a shutout of Columbus and possesses a 1.68 GAA and 948 SV% through three games (2-1). The Avs don't play a back-to-back until Jan. 30-31 so Varlamov could start again on Monday against Edmonton.
Description: Avalanche winger Steve Downie will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL, the team announced on Wednesday. SOURCE: Denver Post
Insight: Downie suffered the injury Tuesday against the Kings. He had 14 goals and 27 assists with 137 PIM in 75 games last season. Chuck Kobasew, who hasn't played yet this season due to a flu, will step into Downie's spot.
Description: Colorado will use Semyon Varlamov in goal on Tuesday against the Kings.
Insight: The Kings will get Anze Kopitar back on Tuesday and will come into Colorado angry after being blown out by Chicago in the season opener. That makes Varlamov a weak play on Tuesday, especially since he surrendered four goals at Minnesota on Saturday.
Description: The Avalanche are not considering a trade of Ryan O'Reilly while the two sides remain in negotiations on a new contract. The 21-year-old will continue to play in the KHL until a deal is agreed upon. SOURCE: Denver Post
Insight: O'Reilly is a restricted free agent looking for about $5 million per year but the team's latest offer is only for two years, $7 million. O'Reilly led the Avs in scoring last season with 55 points in 81 games.
Description: Goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract extension with the Avalanche on Monday.
Insight: Giguere played fairly well for Colorado in 2011-12 (2.28 GAA, .919 save percentage) but he's unlikely to carry much weight in fantasy unless starting netminder Semyon Varlamov (2.59 GAA, .913 save percentage in 59 games last season) gets injured.
Description: Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year on Wednesday.
Insight: Landeskog collected 52 points in 2011-12, tying him with Edmonton's Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for the most among NHL rookies. The 19-year-old appears to have a very bright future ahead of him.
