Avalanche opens training camp with a limited forward

If you've been following CHN, this is hardly a surprise, but it seems like we have confirmation: Artturi Lehkonen will not be a full participant for the Colorado Avalanche when training camp begins in less than a week.

It sounds like Nathan MacKinnon spilled the beans on the NHL Media Tour this week and the Avalanche confirmed the truth.

Nathan MacKinnon said Tuesday that teammate Artturi Lehkonen will not begin the season in the Avalanche lineup.

Reached out to an Avs spokesperson for an official update:

Lehkonen, who had to undergo shoulder surgery during the season break, will not be fully present at the next training camp…

— John Matisz (@MatiszJohn) 13 September 2024

Now the question will be whether or not Lehkonen will be ready for the opening game against the Golden Knights. The organization says there is no clear timetable for his return. I've been following his progress over the past few weeks on Family Sports and there has been a steady improvement. He's gone from barely shooting the puck to really hitting powerful shots. Rehabbing a shoulder injury requires a lot more, but it's a good sign that things are going in the right direction.

Lehkonen had shoulder surgery in the offseason and the organization had previously stated they would know more by Labor Day. As long as he's running and improving, there's no reason to rush such an important player so early in the season. Let him get healthy until the games really matter, especially given the way Lehkonen plays.

Lehkonen's absence at the start of training camp will give some younger players more opportunity to shine in the preseason. Expect guys like Calum Ritchie, Nikolai Kovalenko and Jere Innala, to name a few, to get some good chances. Ritchie is currently in LA for the Rookie Faceoff, while the other two have been skating with veterans for some time.

The Avalanche took to the ice on September 19th, with media day taking place the day before.