Devon Toews will return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night. He missed 13 games due to an upper-body injury sustained against the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 3.
“One of the best defenseman in the world … and a guy that’s elite in a bunch of different situations with your club, including special teams. It’s a big ad to get back in the lineup,” head coach Jared Bednar said.
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Toews’ defensive partner, Cale Makar, is excited to have him back and how he fits into the balance of the D-core.
“Really exciting, just helps with the balance on the back end …,” Makar said. “Right now, we’ve got two pairings with full righties. To get a lefty back is huge. Gives us more options faceoff-wise a little bit, and then breakout-wise too. He just plays such a big role.”
The 31-year-old blueliner’s absence has been felt throughout the team, but his impact on the top pair is crucial to its success.
“It’s huge. Speaks for himself, he’s an Olympian, for gosh sakes. He’s a great player, and he’s going to help our lineup,” Josh Manson said.
The Avalanche were 5-6-2 while Toews was sidelined. His return for the two games before the Olympic break is a positive sign that he will participate in the games for Team Canada.