Colorado Avalanche: Vladislav Kamenev In, Greer and Grimaldi Out

The Colorado Avalanche have recalled Vladislav Kamenev while sending A.J. Greer and Rocco Grimaldi back to San Antonio.

The Colorado Avalanche are in the process of sorting out their forwards corps. As of yesterday, they have sent two forwards down to and recalled one from the San Antonio Rampage:

The Avalanche had recalled A. J. Greer and Rocco Grimaldi in the face of the injuries to Tyson Jost and J.T. Compher. However, Compher returned to play against the Ottawa Senators, and Jost was ready to play if need be. Colin Wilson had been out for six games, but he also returned to action against Ottawa.

In the meantime, the team has recalled Vladislav Kamenev, who was one of the seven pieces that came to Colorado in exchange for Matt Duchene. Colorado had wanted Kamenev to play with the team sooner, but he had visa issues that wouldn’t allow him to travel to Sweden for the Global Series games.

Now, at the time of writing, Colorado had 14 forwards on the roster, including Kamenev. With Wilson, Compher and Jost ready for action, it would seem the Avalanche didn’t need Kamenev. However, it’s a little obvious what they’re doing — Vladislav is the only other piece of the Duchene return (besides Samuel Girard) that Colorado can test right away. Clearly, they mean to do so.

Ross Kleppe did an excellent profile on Kamenev when  the team first received him:

Related Story: Getting to Know Kamenev

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Basically, though, Kamenev is something of a typical Russian forward. He’s a fluid skater who’s skilled with the puck, especially as a playmaker. However, he has a tendency not to live up to expectations. That said, his size and speed mean he could be a good complement for Colorado.

It’s hard to say how he could fit in.  I’m guessing on the fourth line with Wilson and Compher. That’s presuming Carl Soderberg finally returns from having a baby (well, it’s his wife, but he’s practically been out of commission long enough to have given birth himself.)

That does leave a question of where Jost fits in.

In any case, it’s obvious why Colorado sent Greer and Grimaldi back. Both are hard workers, with Greer having more grit and Grimaldi having a smidge more finesse. However, neither one has enough distinction to bump one of the other players off the roster.

Especially when you consider the Jost quandry.

Next: Avs Need to Sort out their D

The team is set to practice today for the first time since the Sweden games — presumably, they’ve been recovering from jet lag. (Personally, I’d think they’d want to recover from losing by practicing, but that’s me.) That means Kamenev will get one practice with his new teammates before potentially playing since the Colorado Avalanche are hosting the Washington Capitals tomorrow night.

I’m going to guess, with all the forwards they have at their disposal, they won’t put Kamenev into the mix right away. Presumably he’ll go on the road trip, perhaps to play against his draft team the Nashville Predators this Saturday.