The Avalanche makeover has started. Or at least the auditions for next season have.
Defenseman Anton Lindholm, called up from San Antonio on Monday, stepped into the Avalanche lineup and played his first NHL game Wednesday night against the Detroit Red Wings. He was paired with veteran Francois Beauchemin.
Given Beauchemin’s frequent struggles in his 12th full season and at age 36, that might seem a curious way to break in Lindholm, 22, but Avalanche coach Jared Bednar cited Beauchemin’s veteran savviness in explaining the decision.
“I think ‘Beauch’ is a good pair for him,” Bednar said of Lindholm.