TORONTO — Following an injury to winger Artturi Lehkonen in Montreal, the Avalanche announced Tuesday that forward Alex Galchenyuk has been recalled from the American Hockey League. Galchenyuk joined the team in Toronto and could suit up against the Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
After suffering an injury in training camp while on a professional tryout, Galchenyuk later joined the Colorado Eagles upon recovering and started his season in the AHL. He eventually signed a one-year contract with the Avs and appeared in four uninspiring games earlier in the season before being sent back down. Galchenyuk, 29, has been one of the Eagles’ more productive forwards, compiling 15 goals and 33 points in as many games.
Galchenyuk’s call-up is the latest in a number of opportunities he’s had in the NHL since his early years with the Montreal Canadiens. Drafted third overall in 2012, Galchenyuk scored 30 goals in just his fourth season before progressively falling down the depth chart. He eventually was shipped off to Arizona before bouncing around and playing in Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Ottawa and Toronto before rejoining the Coyotes for a second stint.
Lehkonen left Monday’s game in Montreal with a broken finger after scoring two goals and adding an assist. It was his first game back at Bell Centre nearly a year after Colorado acquired the top forward from the Habs at the 2022 trade deadline. Lehkonen returned to Denver, where he is scheduled to have surgery. Head coach Jared Bednar said he’ll likely miss four-to-six weeks, though a more specific timeline is expected following the procedure.
Darren Helm getting closer
Avalanche veteran depth forward Daren Helm took part in morning skate in Montreal on Monday in a regular sweater. It was his first time shedding the non-contact jersey since his five-game stint in January. Though he wasn’t able to return in Montreal, Helm could also be a possible option for Bednar against Toronto if he’s healthy.
Helm was a key piece of Colorado’s bottom six during last year’s successful Stanley Cup championship run.