With the Colorado Avalanche having a couple of days off before the next game on the road in Winnipeg, there will be some time to check in on storylines developing around the club.
In this edition, we’re going to check in on Ilya Nabokov’s debut with the Colorado Eagles, some injury updates, and coach Jared Bednar addressing the “sloppy” game the Avs played against the LA Kings.
Let’s jump right on in.
Ilya Nabokov debut came with a shutout
Avalanche prospect Ilya Nabokov played his first official game in North America as the Colorado Eagles took on the Tucson Roadrunners. The Eagles dumped the Roadrunners 2-0 behind Nabokov’s 32 saves.
How's that for a North American debut?
— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) October 4, 2026
Ilya Nabokov posted a 32 save shutout for the Eagles tonight in their first game. #GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/wFuzrpZDwA
Meanwhile, Jake Wise and Nikita Prishchepov had the goals for the Eagles.
It’s worth pointing out that the Roadrunners outplayed the Eagles at times, with the final shot count 32-20 in favor of the Roadrunners.
So, it’s safe to say that Nabokov stole a win for the Eagles on Saturday night.
Positive injury updates
There were some interesting developments following Sunday’s practice. The first interesting situation was Gabe Landeskog’s absence from the morning skate. When asked about the captain’s absence, Bednar immediately dismissed it as “just maintenance.”
Landeskog’s absence did come with some genuine concern after the captain had a bit of nasty spill in the third period of Saturday night’s game against the Blues.
Parker Kelly was in a burgundy sweater at practice. It was likely a precautionary measure after taking a shot in the chest on Saturday night.
There was also some good news regarding Zachary L’Heureux and Logan O’Connor. Bednar informed the media that they were full participants in practice on Sunday and should be ready to go for the Western Canada road trip to Winnipeg and Calgary.
Logan O’Connor has ditched the non-contact jersey for practice today, so Avalanche look like they’re getting closer to being healthy.
— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) October 4, 2026
If and when they return, it will be interesting to see what happens with the lineup. The Avs have been going with an 11-7 setup. With one of L’Heureux and O’Connor back, Colorado will be able to ice a full four-line setup.
There should be another update before the team travels to Winnipeg on Tuesday.
Avalanche focusing on fixing mistakes
One of the other things Bednar touched on during his presser following Sunday’s practice was the sloppy play that the Avalanche showed in the opening game against the Kings. Bednar praised the game the Avs played on Saturday night, describing the first two periods against the Blues as “exceptional” on both sides of the puck.
Some good stuff on Mackenzie Blackwood, Nic Roy, injuries, and more from Jared Bednar today after Avs practice.
— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano) October 4, 2026
The Avs don't play again until Wednesday when they head to Winnipeg for the first half of a back to back pic.twitter.com/PEpSmkbH9w
So, that’s something the Avs will be looking to carry over into their road trip this week. Colorado will be looking to keep their perfect start to the season on Wednesday against the Jets and then the Flames on Thursday night.
It’ll be a bit of a tough week with the back-to-back set on the road.
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