Joel Kiviranta is sidelined indefinitely with a lower-body injury apparently sustained during Thursday’s win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
DENVER — The ambulance train has once again struck the Colorado Avalanche with a straight left hand.
The Avs announced Saturday morning that forward Joel Kiviranta, who has yet to tally a point through five games this season, is sidelined indefinitely with a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old Finnish forward participated in Thursday’s 4–1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, logging 10:29 of ice time, but reportedly sustained the injury during the contest and will now face an extended recovery period.
It is certainly a disappointing setback for Kiviranta, who recorded career highs with 16 goals and 23 points during the 2024–25 season for the Avalanche and was briefly an unrestricted free agent over the offseason before re-signing with Colorado on a one-year, $1.25 million contract. Details regarding the severity of the injury remain limited, but if it keeps him out for a substantial portion of the season, it could mark the end of his tenure with the Avalanche. The team has yet to provide a definitive timeline for his return.
Over the course of his NHL career, Kiviranta has tallied 35 goals and 25 assists across 303 games with the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche.
Avalanche rookie Zakhar Bardakov is expected to take his place in his absence.