Avalanche Recall Hard-Hitting Defenseman Ahead of Busy Stretch

The Colorado Avalanche have recalled defenseman Keaton Middleton from the Colorado Eagles, adding another option to their blue line ahead of a busy stretch of games.

According to Evan Rawal of The Denver Gazette, there are no reported injuries prompting the move. Colorado is bringing Middleton up to have an extra defenseman available for its back-to-back, which begins Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks at 6 p.m. and continues Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 5 p.m.

The recall comes as the Avalanche continue adjusting to the loss of Josh Manson, who is expected to miss eight weeks with an ankle injury. Manson was injured during Wednesday's 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, going down near the Colorado bench late in the first period. He struggled to get off the ice and needed assistance from a trainer before heading down the tunnel. He did not return.

Manson's absence has already forced Jared Bednar to make changes to his defensive pairings. Against New Jersey, Colorado deployed Brent Burns alongside Sam Malinski for the first time, hoping Burns' experience and communication could help the young defenseman find his game. The early results were encouraging, particularly after the Burns-Manson pairing had struggled in recent games.

Noah Juulsen has since stepped into Manson's spot, while Middleton gives the Avalanche another defenseman to turn to if needed.

Middleton has appeared in 47 career NHL games with Colorado, recording three assists. He played in just three games with the Avalanche last season before spending most of the year with the Eagles.

Through his first 11 appearances with Colorado's AHL affiliate this season, Middleton has recorded one assist, seven penalty minutes and a plus-2 rating.

Last season, the 30-year-old defenseman finished with four goals and 10 assists in 66 regular-season games with the Eagles. He added six points (one goal, five assists) in 17 playoff appearances as Colorado advanced to the Western Conference Finals.

Middleton is also familiar with Burns, having spent considerable time training alongside the veteran defenseman during the offseason. Should Colorado need to use him, that familiarity could come in handy.

The Avalanche will have another defenseman available as they work through Manson's extended absence. With Juulsen currently filling the opening in the lineup, Middleton's recall gives Bednar a little more flexibility without necessarily signaling another change to the blue line.