CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Just when we thought the Colorado Avalanche were getting healthy, it appears quite the opposite. Several injuries to the Avalanche have made it so there has been some line shuffling. There was also a recent call-up with Taylor Makar, who made his NHL debut in San Jose over the weekend. I had speculated that the team was nearing full health last week, but that changed the very next day. Other players appear to be making some progress. In today’s Brennan’s Beat I will go over the latest health updates for the Avalanche from practice on Monday. We also gave an update on Gavin Brindley!

Samuel Girard

The defenseman remains on the injured-reserve for the Avalanche after playing only two games. On Monday, Girard took part in practice with the team in all the drills. He remains in a non-contact sweater, but his movement looks like he could be close. Speaking with our colleague Colleen Flynn, she informed me that Girard could probably play this weekend. Ilya Solovyov has been filling in for Girard and has been doing a wonderful job considering the circumstances.

Gavin Brindley

Acquired in the trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets for Miles Wood and Charlie Coyle, Gavin Brindley has been a pleasant surprise. He has played 12 games, scoring one goal and one assist, and his forecheck is something that no team can’t overlook. His speed and grit have earned him a spot on the roster, and it looks like he will go nowhere soon. Brindley has played 12 games so far, but he could not finish Friday’s contest because of a concussion, per Colleen Flynn. She also informed me he had felt any symptoms since. On Monday, Brindley skated before practice in a non-contact sweater and left before the main group.

Every time it seems the Avalanche are close to getting a player back, they lose one to injury. Girard is not far off. Logan O’Connor will still need some time, but the team still looks like it can dominate on the ice.

Jared Bednar press availability courtesy of Mile High Sports’ Colleen Flynn