In a surprising turn of events, the Colorado Avalanche will be without one of their reliable defensemen, Samuel Girard, who is currently sidelined due to an upper-body injury. This development raises significant concerns for the team, especially as they gear up for their next match against the Dallas Stars on Saturday at Ball Arena.
Girard's injury comes after a shaky start to his season; he had already missed most of training camp and the preseason before finally participating in the last exhibition game. Although he managed to suit up for the first two regular-season matches, he unfortunately picked up an injury during Thursday's game. This incident was marked by an unsettling moment when Girard was spotted near the X-ray room just as head coach Jared Bednar commenced his post-game remarks—an as-yet-unknown extent of the injury leaves fans speculating on his recovery timeline.
Even though the Avalanche boasts considerable depth in their defensive lineup this season, they are facing a scarcity of true left-shot defensemen. During the initial games, the team fielded four right-handed defensemen, with Sam Malinski notably taking on a left-side role, which is quite unorthodox. With Girard removed from the equation—he was serving a critical role on the second defensive pair—the team now faces the challenge of effectively compensating for the void he leaves behind.
It’s anticipated that Ilya Solovyov, who was picked up from waivers recently, may get the nod to step in. However, it’s doubtful he will be able to replicate the level of play or the minutes that Girard was accustomed to on the ice. A more plausible scenario might involve Josh Manson switching to the left side alongside seasoned player Brent Burns, allowing Malinski and Solovyov to form the third defensive pair.
As the Avalanche prepare for their upcoming game, the impact of Girard’s absence looms large—how will they adapt under pressure? Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this will shape their strategy and whether they can maintain their winning edge despite the setback. What do you think? Is the Avalanche’s depth enough to carry them through this rough patch? Share your thoughts in the comments!
