Colorado Avalanche News

Barre-Boulet played 10:01 and has one SOG in his only game with Tampa Bay prior to being assigned to the minor leagues. He will head back to Syracuse (AHL) where he holds the current lead among all AHL skaters in scoring after putting up 24 points (4G/20A) in 16 games.

Colton missed the Lightnings' previous game due to an upper-body injury but will draw back into the lineup Friday vs. St. Louis. Prior to the injury, the three-year pro was having his best season to date with four goals and nine points along with 14 PIMs through 18 games this season.

Barre-Boulet earned his call-up as he holds the current lead among all AHL skaters in scoring after putting up 24 points (4G/20A) in 16 games with Syracuse (AHL). The 25-year-old has previously played in 31 NHL games, scoring six goals and nine points.

Ranta has no points in three games with the Avalanche so far this season. The 22-year-old has three points (1G / 2A) in 12 AHL games, and he's expected to play Friday with Evan Rodrigues sidelined by a lower-body injury.

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.

Francouz was great for a second straight performance his last time out, stopping 46 of 48 shots (.958 SV%) as he stole a victory over Carolina. The Avalanche's backup has been solid in limited action this season, posting a 2-3-0 record along with a .925 SV% and 2.42 GAA. He faces off against the struggle Vancouver Canucks who rank 23rd in the NHL in shots per game (30.2) but sixth in goals per game (3.47).

Francouz was great for a second straight performance his last time out, stopping 46 of 48 shots (.958 SV%) as he stole a victory over Carolina. The Avalanche's backup has been solid in limited action this season, posting a 2-3-0 record along with a .925 SV% and 2.42 GAA. He faces off against the struggle Vancouver Canucks who rank 23rd in the NHL in shots per game (30.2) but sixth in goals per game (3.47).

Wedgewood was forced to leave the Stars' previous game on a stretcher after playing in just over half the game (34:05) but picking up the victory off 21 saves (.913 SV%). Dallas' backup goaltender has filled in admirably this season, posting a 4-3-1 record with his 3.23 GAA and .904 SV%.

Francouz was great in his previous start, stopping 24 of 25 shots (.960 SV%) in a 4-1 victory over Carolina. Through four starts, the Avalanche's backup has posted a 1-3-0 record with a .912 SV% and 2.55 GAA. He faces off against the same team he beat just five days ago, who has won two of their last three games after a 3-0 victory over Chicago last time out.

Wedgewood allowed four goals on 32 shots (.875 SV%) in a loss over a week ago vs. Winnipeg. The Stars' backup netminder has played admirably when called up with a 3-3-1 record and 3.21 GAA along with his .903 SV%. He faces the Florida Panthers who have won three of their last four games after a 5-2 victory over Washington their last time out.

Wedgewood allowed four goals on 32 shots (.875 SV%) in a loss over a week ago vs. Winnipeg. The Stars' backup netminder has played admirably when called up with a 3-3-1 record and 3.21 GAA along with his .903 SV%. He faces the Florida Panthers who have won three of their last four games after a 5-2 victory over Washington their last time out.

Blackwood is expected to miss 3-to-6 weeks with an MCL sprain, so his move to IR opened up a roster spot to call-up Nico Daws. Vitek Vanecek was banged up on Thursday, so Daws is expected to serve as Akira Schmid's backup.

Ranta has previously played in 10 NHL games without picking up a point and posting a -4 plus/minus but will make his 2022-23 debut with the Avalanche Thursday. In 10 games with the Colorado Eagles (AHL) prior to his promotion, he had a goal and an assist along with eight PIMs and a -5 plus/minus rating.