Nathan MacKinnon activated off IR.

Avalanche Activate MacKinnon Off IR

   The Colorado Avalanche have activated star forward Nathan MacKinnon off injured reserve. He’s expected to make his return to the lineup tonight vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs.

   MacKinnon hasn’t played since Dec 5th due to an upper body injury suffered vs. the Philadelphia Flyers.

   In his absence, the Avalanche have gone 6-3-2 and currently sit 4th in the Central Division, 9pts behind the Dallas Stars.

   A 3x Hart trophy finalist, his presence will provide a much needed boost to an Avalanche roster that’s been battling the injury bug of late.

   Prior to his injury, MacKinnon had 34pts (8G, 26A) in 23 games, good for a 1.47 PPG pace. The 27 year old was entering the final year of a 7yr/$44.1M contract before signing an 8yr/$100.8M extension prior to the start of the season.

   Originally drafted 1st overall in the 2013 NHL entry draft, MacKinnon has spent his entire 10 year career with Colorado.

   Colorado takes on the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 7pm contest Saturday. Toronto is coming off a 6-3 loss to the Coyotes on the 29th, and are 3-2 in their last 5 games.

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