The Colorado Avalanche got some tough injury news on Saturday. Coach Jared Bednar told reporters that forward Joel Kiviranta will be on the shelf indefinitely. The early reports are that Kiviranta sustained a lower-body injury in the club’s last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Aarif Deen quoted Bednar, stating:
“He got hurt last game. He’s going to miss some time. I don’t have a solid timeline. It’s going to be weeks.”
“Weeks” doesn’t sound particularly encouraging. Kiviranta had a career year last season. He notched 16 goals in a depth role, eventually becoming a fixture in the Avalanche’s bottom six.
However, he’s been quiet this season. He’s yet to register a point in five games this season. Fortunately, the Avalanche haven’t needed offense from him. The top guys are carrying the load very well, leading the Avs to a 4-0-1 record.
The injury comes at a bad time for the 29-year-old. He signed a one-year $1.25 million contract after a considerable amount of speculation surrounding his future this summer. An extended absence could jeopardize Kiviranta’s role moving forward.
Kiviranta injury opens door for Bardakov in Avalanche lineup
One of the standouts at this year’s training camp for the Colorado Avalanche was 24-year-old Russian Zakhar Bardakov. The former seventh-round pick of the New Jersey Devils had apparently earned the fourth-line center role. However, the club has utilized Parker Kelly in that role.
But now that Kiviranta’s injury has hit, there’s a natural opening for Bardakov to get a long look. Bardakov could hit the ice as the 4C, with Kelly moving over to the wing. That setup looked good during the preseason.
Bardakov played 53 games in the KHL last season with the SKA St. Petersburg. He scored 17 goals and totaled 35 points. He’s a big presence at 6’2” and 209 pounds. His skill and speed will be welcome in the Avalanche’s bottom six.
Fans could see plenty of Bardakov as the season progresses. A good first couple of games could earn him Bednar’s trust moving forward. So, it will be intriguing to see how the Avalanche manage their fourth line.