Avalanche Recall Tristen Nielsen and Jack Ahcan Ahead of Lightning Game

Injuries to Gavin Brindley, Logan O’Connor create openings, with Samuel Girard a possibility to return this weekend.

Overview

Colorado called up forward Tristen Nielsen and defenseman Jack Ahcan from the AHL Eagles before Tuesday’s home matchup with Tampa Bay.
Head coach Jared Bednar said Nielsen will make his NHL debut against the Lightning after signing an NHL contract on Oct. 27.
Nielsen earned the promotion with five goals and nine points in 11 AHL games following a strong preseason, and he brings Calder Cup experience from Abbotsford.
Ahcan provides a seventh defenseman for insurance while Girard remains out and could rotate with Ilya Solovyov after appearing in two NHL games this season.
The moves bolster depth as Gavin Brindley manages a concussion, Logan O’Connor remains unavailable, and the fourth line has leaned on inexperienced options such as Zakhar Bardakov and Taylor Makar.