Both Erik Johnson and Brad Stuart are close to making their returns this season. Erik Johnson has only been out since January 4th (only?!), but Brad Stuart only played in six games before going down with his injured back.
Regardless of what you think of Brad Stuart and his outrageous contract, he will certainly return to the lineup when his is healthy, and Erik Johnson will also be in the lineup of course because he’s our No. 1 defensemen.
So, that means two spots must be made in order to facilitate their return to the lineup. The Colorado Avalanche are currently playing with two youngens on the blue-line, and they’re both waiver exempt so they’re the most likely to get sent down.