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Avalanche recall Gavin Brindley, move suggests bad news for Colorado

The Colorado Avalanche called up Gavin Brindley on Friday, signaling something no bueno for the team.
ByNestor Quixtan
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Nov 10, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) skates during the warmup before a game against the Toronto Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) skates during the warmup before a game against the Toronto Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Colorado Avalanche recalled Gavin Brindley from the Eagles on Friday. The move wouldn’t otherwise be anything major. But given the circumstances, it signals bad news for Colorado.

The move likely indicates that Nathan MacKinnon won’t be playing on Saturday night in Montreal. Now, following Thursday night’s game, coach Jared Bednar declared that MacKinnon and Cale Makar would travel to Montreal.

That situation suggests that both stars are dealing with relatively minor ailments for now.

But recalling Brindley means that MacKinnon likely won’t go against the Canadiens. Perhaps, in the best of cases, recalling Brindley is just an insurance move aimed at providing a 12th forward in case MacKinnon becomes a last-minute scratch.

But then again, why risk trying to get MacKinnon to play if he can’t really go? That’s why recalling Brindley gives the club another forward, particularly since the team won’t be able to go 11-7, with Makar also doubtful for Saturday night.

It’s worth noting that Brindley has been on a bit of a heater since heading back down to the Eagles. He’s registered four goals and seven points in five games since heading back down after a short NHL stint this season. While Brindley will likely land somewhere in the bottom six, at least Bednar will have 12 healthy bodies to deploy in the forward group.

Alex Gagne could make NHL debut

The Avalanche called up defenseman Alex Gagne earlier this week as insurance. Gagne has traveled with the team on its current road trip. With Cale Makar playing in Toronto and Ottawa, Gagne rode the press box.

But with Makar questionable for Saturday night, Gagne could make his NHL debut. The 24-year-old has played well in the AHL, but has just now earned his first shot at the Bigs.

Like MacKinnon, Makar could be a last-minute scratch. If that’s the case, then Gagne will draw into the lineup.

If Gagne gets into the lineup, we’ll likely see Sam Malinski move up to the top pair with Devon Toews, with Brett Kulak and Noah Juulsen likely taking over the second pair. Brent Burns and Gagne could be the third pair.

The hope will be that everyone will remain in one piece, allowing the Avs to finish the game on Saturday night with a full lineup.

Let’s see what happens. The Avalanche have been playing injury updates close to the vest. So, fans and the media won’t really know what the fates of MacKinnon and Makar will be until game time on Saturday night.

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