Colorado Avalanche News

Necas was held out of Thursday's practice because he was not feeling well and will be a game-time decision vs. the Flyers. Necas was not on the ice for the morning skate, so he looks like a true game-time call. Monitor his status when the Hurricanes' hit the ice for warmups at 6:30 PM ET.

Nichuhskin has been out since the season opener (Oct.13) but will play Thursday vs. the Canucks. Nichushkin, who had an assist and three shots in the opener, will skate on the second line with Nazem Kadri and Andre Burakovsky.

Makar has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but will play Thursday vs. the Canucks. Makar skated with Devon Toews and on PP1 in Wednesday's practice.

Makar will miss at least seven days with the upper-body injury and this will likely force Samuel Girard and Bowen Byram to take on bigger roles for at least the next few games. The Avalanche will be in tough on Wednesday, missing Makar, Mikko Rantanen, Devon Toews, Valeri Nichushkin and maybe Andre Burakovsky as well.

Blackwood was on the ice on Friday and told reporters that he isn't ready to play Saturday but thinks he'll be ready within the week. Blackwood should immediately take over as the Devils' No.1 netminder.

Samuel Girard is banged up, so MacDonald being recalled is an indication that Girard will not be available on Tuesday. MacDonald has had a hot start in the AHL, scoring one goal with three assists (four points) in four games.

Barre-Boulet was lost briefly on waivers but was re-claimed from the Kraken late last week. Barre-Boulet will replace Pat Maroon in the Lightning's bottom-6 on Monday.

Barre-Boulet was lost to the Kraken on waivers but returns to the Lightning after playing two games with Seattle. Being re-claimed by the Lightning will allow them to send him to the AHL.