Colorado Avalanche Suffer Bad News With Key Player Leaving Team Indefinitely

Today the Colorado Avalanche announced through their head coach Jared Bednar that former second round pick Samuel Girard will be stepping away from the team.

With Girard away from the team the Avalanche will have to fill a major hole in their lineup. Girard was playing 20 minutes a night prior to this announcement. With a matchup against the Vancouver Canucks on the horizon tonight we will get to see who gets the first opportunity.

The loss of Girard who had 4 points in 15 games will be felt in every game he goes on to miss. He is a perfect complement to their other skilled defensemen. Veteran Jack Johnson who has handled big minutes in the past could likely be the first man up.

If Girard's absence is going to be more long term the Avalanche may have to look at acquiring a defenseman to fill in. Hopefully, whatever is keeping Girard away from the team is short-term and resolves well.

As more updates about Girard's absence or potential return become available, we will pass them along to you.