DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche take the ice at Ball Arena this afternoon for a midday matchup against the Minnesota Wild. The following lineup projection is subject to change: FORWARDS Valeri Nichushkin – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas Ross Colton – Brock Nelson – Nazem Kadri Parker Kelly – Nicolas Roy – Gavin Brindley Zakhar Bardakov – Jack Drury – Joel Kiviranta DEFENSE Devon Toews – Cale Makar Josh Manson – Brent Burns Brett Kulak – Sam Malinski GOALTENDERS Scott Wedgewood Mackenzie Blackwood Nazem Kadri returns. NOTABLES Nazem Kadri makes his long-awaited return to the Avalanche lineup today, playing for the first time in Denver since the team captured the Stanley Cup in 2022. Martin Nečas will play in his 500th career NHL game this afternoon. The 27-year-old is just one goal shy of matching his career-high in goals for a single season. Nečas has recorded 28 goals and 48 assists for 76 points in 58 games and is on pace for career-best numbers across the board, with 40 goals, 68 assists, and 108 points projected over 82 games. Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon continues to set a dominant pace, leading the NHL with 42 goals this season. He has also posted 61 assists, totaling 103 points, and is on track to finish with a career-high 57 goals, 83 assists, and 141 points. Gabe Landeskog was a late scratch from the lineup. He suffered a lower-body injury after taking a shot from Cale Makar during the Avalanche’s 5-4 shootout win over the Dallas Stars on Friday. While Landeskog’s injury is considered week-to-week, he is expected to return in time for the playoffs, when the Avalanche will need him at full strength. Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1bfb7ae0-7e5d-4c44-b6b3-f2d59da527ca.jpeg]
