DENVER — Just when you thought the Colorado Avalanche was getting completely healthy, it happened again.
Head coach Jared Bednar announced on Wednesday that Avs superstar center Nathan MacKinnon will miss "give or take" three weeks with a lower-body injury. MacKinnon was apparently hurt in Colorado's loss to the Blue Jackets on Saturday night.
“Coming out of the game, it didn’t feel the way he wanted it to feel,” Bednar said.
MacKinnon didn't miss a shift against the Blue Jackets, skating for 20 minutes and 40 seconds, but obviously something was amiss. Hockey teams and coaches rarely elaborate on what exactly is bothering a player, so no more information on the extent of the injury was available.
MacKinnon missed the first two games this season due to a positive COVID-19 test. The Hart Trophy candidate has one goal and nine assists so far this season for the Avs, who are off to a disappointing start at 4-5-1. Colorado entered the season as Stanley Cup favorites on nearly every betting website.
The Avalanche have gotten healthier recently, welcoming back Mikko Rantanen, Andre Burakovsky and Devon Toews on Saturday, and Cale Makar is slated to return Thursday against the Canucks.
But an elusive full roster will still elude Colorado for now, with MacKinnon apparently out of the lineup until late November or early December.
>>Video above: As injuries plague Avalanche, JT Compher earns opportunity on top line
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Denver Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS KUSA APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for KUSA "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.