With the recent injuries to Colorado Avalanche defensemen Erik Johnson and Anton Lindholm during the game against the Edmonton Oilers last week, the Avalanche have called up Andrei Mironov and David Warsofsky in a move that the organization is hoping will allow the team to continue to keep pace in the race for the playoffs.
What will be missing with the injury to Lindholm?
Prior to the upper-body injury to Lindholm, he provided a physical aspect for the Avalanche that for the most part has been lacking this season.
Along with the physical aspect, the Avalanche will be missing the services of a good puck-moving defenseman, who is capable of creating offensive chances whenever he is on the ice.
(Video Courtesy of Hockey Points / Youtube)
Although with only three points in 43 games this season, Lindholm holds a plus-4 through those 43 games, putting him as one of the most reliable players on the ice for the Avalanche.
What will Mironov and Warsofsky bring?
With the two injuries for the Avalanche, the organization will look at Mironov and Warsofsky to make that a significant jump to help the team as they look for their first playoff berth since the 2013-14 season.
Andrei Mironov
Prior to coming to the Avalanche this season, Mironov was playing for the Dynamo Moscow in the Kontinenal Hockey League (KHL). He established himself as a defenseman who loved to land out large hits during the game, as well as a defenseman who has a powerful slapshot from the point.
Since coming to the Avalanche, Mironov has contributed with three points in 10 games played. Although not a huge offensive contribution, through the 10 games Mironov had been able to hold a +2 with the squad.
(Video courtesy of Russian NHL / Youtube)
After spending some time with the Avalanche, Mironov was sent down to the San Antonio Rampage to further his development, and get him used to the NHL style of play.
In the 25 games that he has spent with the Rampage, Mironov has 9 points, and holds a plus-minus of +4 during his stint with the team.
David Warsofsky
A defenseman who has found plenty of success with the Pittsburgh Penguins AHL-affiliate Wilkes Barrie/ Scranton Penguins, Warsofsky came over to the Avalanche in a trade, and was signed for a two-year contract.
As a solid puck-moving defenseman, Warsofsky is valuable on both sides of the ice. He has the capability of creating offensive chances, while also allowing for a quick departure on breakouts in the defensive zone.
Since coming to the Avalanche, Warsofsky has spent the majority of the time with the Rampage. With them, he has put up 20 points in 44 games.
Wrap-up
Although the Avalanche will be missing the services of Johnson and Lindholm, the team can hope to be able to continue to develop these two impactful defenseman by allowing them to gain some more NHL experience at a very important time for the team — as they continue to make a playoff push for a wildcard position in the Western Conference.