O'Connor was placed in COVID-19 protocol on December 20th but the team did not announce it until Sunday. The Avalanche provided expected return dates for all of the players still in protocol and put O'Connor on track to miss Wednesday's game vs. the Stars but be back for Friday's rematch.
O'Connor is entering the final-year of a two-year deal worth $725K AAV. He earned a moderate raise to $1.05M AAV that carries through 2024-25. The 25-year-old winger had three goals and two assists (five points) in 25 games in 2202-21.
O'Connor has been out since March 31st but he's expected to replace Joonas Donskoi (COVID-19) in the lineup on Thursday. O'Connor has scored three goals with two assists (five points) in 22 games this season.
O'Connor is expected to miss a few weeks according to head coach Jared Bednar, which could have a big impact on Colorado's fourth line. O'Connor has played very well as of late but they will turn to Liam O'Brien to fill that role on Friday.
O’Connor played 9:09 TOI on Wednesday but will come out of the lineup on Friday with Brandon Saad (personal) drawing back in.
O'Connor played in seven straight games, posting one goal on eight shots (12.5 SH%) with a plus-3 rating and two PIMS. HIs return to the AHL bodes well for Gabriel Landeskog, who is a game-time decision for Thursday's game.
