Rookie D Stefan Elliott likely to stick with Avalanche

A day after leading the Avalanche to a comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in his NHL debut, rookie defenseman Stefan Elliott participated in his first practice with the team since training camp. Colorado coach Joe Sacco didn’t exactly suggest Elliott is here to stay, but the coach certainly didn’t make it seem like Elliott would be sent back to the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League anytime soon. Elliott, 20, was recalled from Lake Erie on Friday night and played extremely well against the Oilers. He was noticeable throughout the game, making terrific long passes, jumping up from the blue line to sustain an attack in Edmonton’s zone, breaking up a couple Oilers’ odd-man rushes in the Avalanche end, and ultimately scoring the game-winning goal with a skillful long wrist shot through traffic. If Elliott continues to play well, he will continue to play for the Avalanche. If he’s scratched a time or two, he won’t be out of the lineup long. And when defenseman Erik ...