Colorado Avalanche News

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.

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).

Roy is considered day-to-day after head coach Bruce Cassidy announced he would not be travelling with the team due to a lower-body injury. Roy; a five-year veteran, had been having his best season to date as he had 11 points (4G/7A) in his first 18 games while also having a +3 plus/minus and 25 SOG.

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.

Beckman played three games for the Wild last season, collecting one assist and a -1 plus/minus rating in his short stint. In eight games with Iowa (AHL) prior to his promotion, he had three goals and three assists with a +2 plus/minus.

With the Avalanche losing a few players due to injury earlier this week, Sampo Ranta has been recalled from the Colorado Eagles (AHL). In 10 AHL games played this year with the Eagles he has one goal and one assist and is a -5 plus/minus prior to his promotion.

Wedgwood won his third straight start his last time out, stopping 28 of 30 shots (.933 SV%) in a 6-2 victory over the high scoring Edmonton Oilers. He has filled in admirably in the absence of Jake Oettinger (lower-body), posting a 3-2-1 record along with a .908 SV% and 3.05 GAA. He faces off against the surging Winnipeg Jets, who have won five of their last six games while still only ranking 20th in the NHL in GF/GP with 3.0.

Blackwood left the Devil's last game vs. Edmonton after 28:41 due to a knee injury. It was announced today that New Jersey's goaltender will miss the next 3-6 weeks with an MCL sprain to his knee. Blackwood had struggled prior to the injury, posting a 4-2-0 record along with a .880 SV% and 2.79 GAA. Vitek Vanecek will take the majority of the Devils' starts in the meantime.

Blackwood left the Devil's last game vs. Edmonton after 28:41 due to a knee injury. It was announced today that New Jersey's goaltender has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL and will meet with team doctors Tuesday for a further update. Blackwood had struggled prior to the injury, posting a 4-2-0 record along with a .880 SV% and 2.79 GAA. Vitek Vanecek will take the majority of the Devils' starts in the mean time.