Here’s a gut-wrenching blow for Avalanche fans: the team has lost a key depth forward for an indefinite period, leaving many to wonder how this will impact their red-hot start to the season. But here’s where it gets even more concerning—Joel Kiviranta, the 30-year-old forward who’s been a steady presence in the lineup, is sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained during the game in Columbus. This isn’t just a minor setback; head coach Jared Bednar confirmed it’s going to be weeks before Kiviranta is back on the ice. For a team that’s been firing on all cylinders with a 4-0-1 record, this absence could test their depth like never before.
Kiviranta’s injury comes at a particularly tricky time. He’s been a reliable piece of the puzzle, appearing in all five games this season and contributing with three shots and a plus-1 rating. And this is the part most people miss—while he may not be a top-line star, his absence creates a ripple effect, forcing the Avalanche to reshuffle their lineup. Enter Zakhar Bardakov, the 24-year-old rookie center making his NHL debut after joining from the KHL. He’ll slot into the fourth line, likely flanked by Parker Kelly and Gavin Brindley, as the team prepares to face the Boston Bruins and Casey Mittelstadt on Saturday.
The Avalanche are no strangers to adversity, but this situation raises a bold question: Can their depth hold up under pressure, or will Kiviranta’s absence expose vulnerabilities? With Bardakov stepping in, there’s both excitement and uncertainty. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the team feel the weight of Kiviranta’s absence? Here’s the controversial take—while some see this as a minor hiccup, others argue it’s a wake-up call for the Avalanche to address their forward depth sooner rather than later. What do you think? Is this injury a minor setback or a potential turning point in their season? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
