Kiviranta has not played since October 16th, recovering from a lower-body injury, but is officially ready to return to the lineup after practicing on Wednesday. The 29-year-old Kiviranta had a career-high 23 points (16G / 7A) in 79 games last season.
Polin has nine NHL games to his name and will be hopefully to make his Avalanche debut this season after being recalled from the AHL. The 26-year-old right winger spent the majority of last season with the Colorado Eagles (AHL) where he had 11 goals and 19 points in 39 games played.
Wedgewood continues to impress this season, earning regular starts despite the return of Mackenzie Blackwood, and will return to the crease on Thursday against the New York Rangers. The 33-year-old Wedgewood has a solid 2.17 GAA and .917 SV% in 15 appearances this season (11-1-2). He has allowed two or fewer goals in five straight games (5-0-0), posting a dazzling 1.40 GAA and .949 SV%. Colorado enters Thursday's contest as sizable -209 home favorites against a Rangers team that has scored two or fewer goals in three straight (1-2-0).
Wedgewood continues to impress this season, earning regular starts despite the return of Mackenzie Blackwood, and will likely return to the crease on Thursday against the New York Rangers. The 33-year-old Wedgewood has a solid 2.17 GAA and .917 SV% in 15 appearances this season (11-1-2). He has allowed two or fewer goals in five straight games (5-0-0), posting a dazzling 1.40 GAA and .949 SV%. Colorado enters Thursday's contest as sizable -209 home favorites against a Rangers team that has scored two or fewer goals in three straight (1-2-0).
Nielsen made his NHL debut earlier this month and could potentially draw into the Avalanche lineup again after being recalled on Thursday. The 25-year-old forward is having a productive season at the AHL level, scoring 14 points (9G / 5A) in 16 games with the Colorado Eagles.
Nichushkin exited last Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks due to a lower-body injury after only 12:57 time-on-ice. The 30-year-old Nichushkin has 12 points (5G / 7A) in 17 games this season, and has been more productive lately, with nine points (3G / 6A) in his last 10 games. Nichushkin has played fewer than 55 games in each of the previous four seasons due to injuries and could be headed down that same path in 2025-26, as he is out week-to-week.
Nichushkin exited Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks due to a lower-body injury after only 12:57 time-on-ice. The 30-year-old Nichushkin has 12 points (5G / 7A) in 17 games this season, and has been more productive lately, with nine points (3G / 6A) in his last 10 games. Nichushkin has played fewer than 55 games in each of the previous four seasons due to injuries and could be headed down that same path in 2025-26, as he is out week-to-week.
Wedgewood has been exceptional with Colorado this season, thrust into a starting role because of an injured Mackenzie Blackwood, and has likely earned himself a larger share of starts for the remainder of the season. The 33-year-old Wedgewood has a 2.26 GAA and .913 SV% in 14 appearances this season (10-1-2). He had a career-high 16 wins in the 2023-24 season as a member of the Dallas Stars.
Girard has not played since suffering an upper-body injury in Colorado's second game of the season, but will make his return to the lineup on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 27-year-old Girard has seen a decreased role in recent seasons, but still tallied 24 points (3G / 21A) in 73 games last season.
Makar made his NHL debut earlier this season, playing 6:07 time-on-ice, but has primarily been in the AHL. The 24-year-old forward has four points (1G / 3A) in 13 games with the Colorado Eagles (AHL).
Ahcan has been a regular in Colorado's lineup the previous two weeks, but he has been reassigned to the AHL. The 28-year-old defenseman averaged 11:21 time-on-ice and scored one assist in six games with the Avalanche.
