The Colorado Avalanche’s defensive strategy is poised to face a significant hurdle with the team’s defenseman, Josh Manson, set to be on the sidelines for the next three to four weeks due to an upper-body injury. This announcement came directly from the Avalanche’s head coach, Jared Bednar, on Wednesday.
Manson, an integral part of the Avalanche’s defense, suffered the injury during the team’s 4-2 triumph over the Calgary Flames last Friday. The incident saw Manson retiring prematurely from the ice late in the second period. The 33-year-old defenseman was subsequently listed as week-to-week and was notably absent from Sunday’s face-off against the Dallas Stars.
In the National Hockey League (NHL), Manson’s journey began with the Anaheim Ducks, who picked him in the sixth round of the 2011 NHL Draft. His career, spanning the Ducks (2014-22) and Avalanche (2022-present), has been marked by impressive stats, including 39 goals and 131 assists in 626 regular-season games. His defensive prowess is further highlighted by 600 penalty minutes, 734 blocked shots, and a whopping 1,526 hits.
The defenseman’s playoff contribution is equally commendable, with a total of 18 points (comprising five goals and 13 assists) in 58 playoff games. Notably, this includes his significant role in Colorado’s victorious journey to the Stanley Cup championship in 2022.