MONTREAL — A little more than two months ago, the Colorado Avalanche lost Artturi Lehkonen because of a neck injury. When asked how the team replaces a player like Lehkonen, coach Jared Bednar’s answer was succinct.
“You don’t,” he said on Nov. 11.
The Avs lost the services of another critical player Monday when Valeri Nichushkin entered the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program. He’ll be away from the team for an indefinite amount of time.
Bednar’s answer when asked how the club will replace Nichushkin after a 4-3 loss in Montreal?
“You don’t.”
Colorado has been able to remain near the top of the NHL standings without Lehkonen.