Avalanche Recall Gavin Brindley

The Colorado Avalanche have recalled winger Gavin Brindley ahead of a two-game road trip. His presence will give Colorado an extra body in case star center Nathan MacKinnon is unavailable for Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

MacKinnon left Thursday’s loss to the Ottawa Senators after a collision with Senators defenseman Artem Zub. The former MVP could be at risk to miss the short term with a lower-body injury.

The Avalanche will need to reshape their forward group if MacKinnon misses time. That could lead to Nazem Kadri taking over top-line minutes, while Nicolas Roy shifts back into the center position. Kadri has racked up 16 points in 20 games – the second-most among Colorado’s centers behind MacKinnon’s 30 points. Roy, meanwhile, has just six points in 14 games from his third-line, wing role.

Brindley will join the Avalanche as their only extra forward, leaving him in a bottom-six role if Colorado shifts around their lines. The 22 year old leads the Colorado Eagles in scoring with 16 points in 13 games.

Brindley has also appeared in five NHL games this season, marked by one assist. That point brings Brindley up to 14 points in 62 career games in the NHL. He should return to a fast-paced, forechecking role in the Avalanche lineup – if he’s tapped to play.