Colorado Avalanche roster move could signal good news

The Colorado Avalanche made an interesting roster move following their win on Sunday afternoon against the Philadelphia Flyers. The club reassigned goalie Trent Miner to the Colorado Eagles.

Now, Miner had been recalled to the big club following Scott Wedgewood’s injury a few days ago. In fact, it was believed that Miner would start one of the Avalanche’s back-to-back games this weekend. Instead, MacKenzie Blackwood played some ironman hockey, starting both games. He was fantastic, picking up wins against the Flyers and New York Rangers.

Meanwhile, the Eagles beat the Rockford IceHogs in back-to-back games this past weekend. The Eagles won 5-3 on Friday and 2-1 on Saturday. Following that set, the Eagles won’t play aa until December 12.

So, it’s not like the Eagles will need Miner right now. That’s why the move, beyond being a simple paper transaction, signals that Scott Wedgewood could be nearing a return. The Avalanche will play again on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.

It’s worth pointing out that there is no indication that Wedgewood is actually ready to return to the ice. But as the Denver Post’s Corey Masisak pointed out, Wedgewood would at least back up Blackwood on Tuesday night.

That’s welcome news for Avalanche fans. Blackwood has been great for Colorado. But there has to be concern about coach Jared Bednar overworking Blackwood at this point. Fans have to wonder at what point fatigue would set in for the Avalanche’s starting netminder.

Starting on Tuesday night would mean Blackwood will have played three games in four nights. That’s the sort of workload that could open the door to an injury. Anyhow, having Wedgwood sitting on the bench is a major step forward.

Perhaps Wedgewood could be back on Thursday night as the Avalanche host the Florida Panthers at Ball Arena. The club will be eager to get Wedgewood a couple of games in before the Christmas break.