Samuel Girard News

Girard returned to practice, skating as an extra, for the first time after entering the players' assistance program nearly one month ago. Girard has played 15 games this season, scoring one point (0G / 1A) in his first 13 before tripling that with three points (2G / 1A) in his last two games. During Girard's absence, Josh Manson has seen a significant uptick in usage and production.

Girard did not play on Monday due to personal reasons and will be away from the team again on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. Girard has played 15 games this season, scoring only one point (0G / 1A) in his first 13 before tripling that with three points (2G / 1A) in his last two. Josh Manson entered the lineup on Monday to replace Girard.

Girard is a surprise scratch for Monday's game against the Predators, presumably due to an undisclosed injury. Girard has one goal and three assists across 15 games with the Avalanche this season. Josh Manson (upper-body) makes his return to the Avalanche lineup in place of Girard.

Girard missed Colorado's previous game due to an undisclosed injury but is expected to return to the Avalanche lineup Wednesday vs. Anaheim. The 25-year-old defensemen is in his seventh NHL season and has an assist, 13 SOG, and a -8 plus/minus through 13 games played so far this season.

There was no indication from the team that Girard was in danger of missing Monday's game prior to the Roster Report being finalized shortly before puck drop. The 25-year-old defenseman has registered no goals and one assist in 13 games this season.

Girard has missed Colorado's previous six games due to a lower-body injury but will return to the lineup Wednesday vs. Vancouver. The 24-year-old had a goal and three assists through 11 games prior to his injury while playing 18:16 ATOI.

Girard's lower-body injury comes as somewhat of a surprise after he played a season high 23:19 TOI in the Avalanche's second game in Finland Nov. 5th vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets his last time out. It is a tough blow for the injured Avalanche who also announced Bowen Byram is week-to-week earlier Tuesday.

Girard has been out since March 8th but is set to return to the lineup on Friday. With Girard back, the Avalanche blueline will likely look exactly how they are expecting heading into the playoffs. Girard has scored five goals with 22 assists (27 points) in 56 games this season.

Girard suffered a lower-body injury in New Jersey on Tuesday and will be out until early-to-mid April. With Girard out for an extended period of time, expect the Avalanche to dip into their organizational depth for a defenseman.

Girard will come out of the Avalanche lineup on Thursday due to a lower-body injury, so Kurtis MacDermid will suit up on defence. Girard returned to Colorado to be evaluated.

Girard was hurt in Wednesday's practice but will be available for tonight's game vs. Vancouver. Girard will skate on the second pair with Bowen Byram and comes in with three assists in eight games.

Girard has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but will replace Kurtis MacDermid in the lineup on Saturday. Girard has picked up two shots with four shots on goal in five games this season.

Girard will not play Tuesday vs. the Golden Knights, so look for Kurtis MacDermid to draw into the lineup and Bowen Byram to take over on PP2. Consider Girard questionable for Thursday's game in St. Louis.

Girard has missed the last six games but will play Wednesday vs. the Kings. it's unclear who Girard will replace but it gives him the opportunity to get back up to game speed with the playoffs just around the corner.