Confirmed: Teens to Stay; Stewart Reassigned

Good news for two young Colorado Avalanche centers has been followed by disappointment for another young forward. Avs head coach Joe Sacco announced today Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly would not be sent down to their respective minor league teams and would remain on the Avalanche roster.

A few hours later, the team announced former 1st round draft pick Chris Stewart is being reassigned to the Avs’ AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters.

This is a frustrating blow to the development of a player who, though still young at 21, seemed poised to break out after a promising rookie season in which he accumulated 11 goals and 19 points in 53 games. Colorado is especially invested in Stewart not only because he was their 2006 1st round draft pick, but also because he plays right wing, a position that the team is lacking in depth. The most important thing at this point is to see how Stewart reacts to his demotion. If he works on his game and takes care of business with the Monsters I see him being an early injury call-up. If he pouts and his production plateaus, this may be a very long season for Stewart, and a disappointing one for his fans.

Stewart picked up one assist in four games for the Avalanche, though he was a healthy scratch the last four games.