Avalanche Host Red Wings as Hometown Remix Jerseys Debut

Overview

• The Avalanche opened play on Saturday in Denver wearing their Hometown Remix jerseys and confirmed Mackenzie Blackwood as their starter for the game.
• Head coach Jared Bednar kept a recent defensive shakeup, pairing Cale Makar with Brett Kulak and Devon Toews with Sam Malinski to prioritize more consistent defense.
• Detroit suspended captain Dylan Larkin after he informed the team he would not play, and restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson remains away from Detroit while skating in Nashville as he seeks a new contract or trade.
• Goaltending is unsettled for Detroit after John Gibson suffered a lower-body injury earlier in the week and returned to practice with his game status unclear, making Daniil Tarasov the likely option in net.
• Colorado's 6-1-2 home form gives it an edge against a Red Wings club near .500 that is leaning on younger players and Grand Rapids prospects while front-office and roster questions could drive near-term trades or lineup moves.