The Avalanche called up forward Daniil Gushchin from the AHL on Saturday, a move made as Gavin Brindley continues his recovery from a concussion. With Brindley out and listed as day-to-day, Colorado is left with just 11 healthy forwards.
Gushchin was a familiar face throughout training camp in the preseason. He showed impressive skating, offensive awareness, and some underrated snap behind his wrist shot. The 23-year-old Russia native has made an impact at the AHL level this season, producing a point per game with nine goals and two assists over 11 games.
Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports) on XDanil Gushchin's ninth goal of the season. He is tied for the AHL-lead in goals. 🚨
The @ColoradoEagles are 6-0-0 when they score on the power play.Brindley Still Not Ready
Before Tuesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning—which the Avalanche won 3-2—Gavin Brindley told The Hockey News, while entering the elevator, that he had cleared concussion protocol and would be available to play the following weekend. Nonetheless, the team appears to be erring on the side of caution, a prudent approach under the circumstances. Brindley sustained the concussion after colliding with Ivan Barbashev while battling for a loose puck. Though Barbashev, known for delivering punishing hits, attempted to avoid contact, Brindley struck his shoulder head-on.
Gushchin’s Opportunity
In parts of three seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Gushchin appeared in 18 NHL games, posting two goals and three assists while averaging around 13 minutes of ice time. Now as a member of the Avalanche, this is a prime opportunity for Gushchin to show off his improvements to the coaching staff and perhaps earn himself a permanent spot in the future. But with how deep this team is right now, it might be a while before that happens.
Avalanche vs. Oilers
Avalanche vs. Oilers goes down at 8 p.m. local time from Rogers Place and will be televised on ESPN. Don’t miss the action.
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