Avalanche returns from shutdown; announce 11 positive player COVID tests since Dec. 16 – The Denver Post

The Avalanche returned from its COVID shutdown on Sunday with just 15 skaters and goalie Darcy Kuemper practicing at Ball Arena, along with the entire coaching staff.

The team announced it had 11 players test positive since Dec. 16, and forwards Mikko Rantanen, Nazem Kadri, Logan O’Connor and defenseman Kurtis MacDermid and goalie Pavel Francouz are currently on the COVID protocol list.

Kuemper came off the list, along with defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews. All three missed the Avs’ previous game on Dec. 16 at Nashville.

Also, Colorado left wing and team captain Gabe Landeskog appeared to be cleared to return to the lineup after missing three games with a lower-body injury.

The Avs’ next scheduled game is Wednesday against the visiting Dallas Stars, but the Stars added five players to their COVID protocol list on Sunday. The teams are also scheduled to play on Friday in Dallas. Both games might be postponed.

For the Avs, MacDermid is scheduled to rejoin the team on Monday, and Kadri on Tuesday. O’Connor could possibly return Thursday and Rantanen on Friday, the team said. Francouz isn’t scheduled back until Jan. 5.

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