The Colorado Avalanche made a significant roster move recently by placing Jonathan Drouin on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. Drouin sustained this injury during the team’s season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 9th. As a result, the Avalanche decided to call up veteran forward Chris Wagner from their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.
Jonathan Drouin, who is 29 years old, has had an impressive career so far since being the third overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Throughout his time in the league, he has accumulated 337 points, with 96 goals and 241 assists, in 565 games played for the Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, and the Avalanche.
On the other hand, Chris Wagner, a 33-year-old forward with 11 years of experience in the NHL, has played two games for the Avalanche this season. Wagner was drafted in the fifth round by the Anaheim Ducks in 2010 and has since played for various teams, including the Ducks, Avalanche, New York Islanders, and the Boston Bruins. In his career, he has recorded 65 points, with 38 goals and 27 assists, in 375 games played.
This move signifies the Avalanche’s commitment to ensuring they have a strong and competitive lineup, especially in the wake of injuries to key players like Drouin. By bringing up Wagner, the team is looking to add depth and experience to their forward group, which will be crucial as they continue their season.
The Avalanche will be looking to Wagner to make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s success on the ice. His veteran presence and versatility will be valuable assets as the team navigates through a challenging season and aims to compete at the highest level in the NHL.
As fans eagerly await Drouin’s return from injury, they can look forward to seeing how Wagner will fill the gap and help the Avalanche secure important wins in the upcoming games. This roster change adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the team’s season, as they strive for success in the competitive world of professional hockey.