Gavin Brindley Recalled as Avalanche Await Word on Severity of Nathan MacKinnon's Injury

The Colorado Avalanche may have to navigate the coming stretch without their biggest superstar.

Following Nathan MacKinnon’s lower-body injury in Thursday night’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre, the Avalanche have recalled forward Gavin Brindley from their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.

MacKinnon exited Thursday night's game against Ottawa after appearing to injure his right side while attempting a reverse hit on Senators defenseman Artem Zub. His final shift came at the 8:15 mark of the second period. MacKinnon initially remained on the bench before heading down the tunnel and did not return for the remainder of the game.

Brindley, known for his speed and offensive ability, has been called up several times this season. He previously spent time with the Avalanche while forward Logan O’Connor recovered from a lower-body injury and during O’Connor’s absence following the death of his father, Myles Connor.

Brindley has made the most of his opportunities with the Eagles this season, recording 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 10 games. His point-per-game production has helped keep him in the conversation as an option whenever Colorado needs reinforcements up front.

He has yet to find the back of the net in five NHL appearances this season, recording one assist while averaging 8:54 of ice time per game.

Brindley has already come close to delivering a memorable moment at the NHL level this season. In Colorado’s Oct. 14 matchup against the Dallas Stars, he appeared to score a beautiful wrist-shot goal, prompting the goal horn to sound and the arena to erupt in celebration. However, the excitement was short-lived. A replay revealed that the puck had struck both posts without crossing the goal line, leaving Brindley heartbreakingly close to his first NHL goal of the season.

The Avalanche ultimately fell 3-2 in a shootout, but Brindley’s near-miss provided one of the night’s most memorable moments.

Now, with MacKinnon potentially sidelined for an undetermined period of time, Brindley gets another opportunity to make an impact at the NHL level. His speed and offensive upside could give Colorado another option as the team looks to navigate the absence of one of the most important players in its lineup.