Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen is eight weeks into his 10- to 12-week return timeline and head coach Jared Bednar said he's progressing well. The Colorado Avalanche have one more game at home before going out on a five-game road trip - that starts in Toronto and ends in Philadelphia. Tomorrow, they will take on the reigning Stanley Cup Champions in the Vegas Golden Knights. There was an optional practice today, and forward Artturi Lehkonen participated in a full-contact white jersey yet again. Following the practice, Jared Bednar provided a big update regarding Lehkonen. The Avalanche's bench boss shared that Lehkonen will travel with the team for their upcoming road trip. While Lehkonen going on the road trip does not automatically mean that he will play, it opens the door to the possibility. The 28-year-old was given a 10-to-12-week recovery timeline with his neck injury and is currently eight and a half weeks into his recovery. Artturi Lehkonen [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk3MjUwOTE4NzU0ODIyMTM5/usatsi_20458416_168400956_lowres.jpg] Artturi Lehkonen It would be huge if Lehkonen gets the green light to play for the Avalanche during this trip, as he is a massive part of their top six and special team units. However, at the same time, they cannot rush him, given the severity of the injury he suffered. Lehkonen has not played since Nov. 9 against the Seattle Kraken and has missed the Avalanche's last 29 games. In 12 games this season, he has three goals and eight points. RELATED AVALANCHE ARTICLES Nichushkin scores Avs game-winner in shootout against Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/news/nichushkin-scores-avs-game-winner-in-shootout-against-bruins] Avalanche defender recalled ahead of Bruins matchup [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/news/avalanche-defender-recalled-ahead-of-bruins-matchup] Avalanche goaltending in question after loss to Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/featured/avalanche-goaltending-in-question-after-loss-to-panthers] Avs loss to Panthers was 'good learning testament' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/featured/avs-loss-to-panthers-was-good-learning-testament] Bowen Byram to miss 'handful of games' for Avalanche [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/news/bowen-byram-to-miss-handful-of-games-for-avalanche]
