The Colorado Avalanche continue to suffer more injuries. This time it is Pierre-Edouard Bellemare suffering a lower-body injury. The ailment comes as a result of a neutral zone collision early in a victory against the San Jose Sharks. The team announced the update Friday afternoon.
Avalanche Endure One More Injury with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
The 35-year-old Bellemare has been a stable presence on the team’s fourth line in 2020-21. He has no points and minimal physical stats. Yet, he is winning face-offs at an astounding rate of 64.7 percent in almost 70 attempts. That, plus a 53.0 percent Corsi For, is fantastic for a player who starts in the defensive zone almost 56 percent of the time. Bellemare is also a leader on the penalty-killing unit. So, he does plenty of things that go beyond points.
The French-born Bellemare originally signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2014. That was followed by a successful career with various teams in France and Sweden. The Vegas Golden Knights selected Bellemare in their expansion draft in 2017. He ultimately signed with Colorado prior to the 2019-20 season. He’s never been known as a top-scoring threat with only 38 goals and 87 points in 462 career games. He’s been a very stable player over his seven seasons.
How Colorado Replaces Bellemare
The team doesn’t have many options for the fourth-line centre position with Bellemare out. They could promote Shane Bowers and debut the 21-year-old. Another possibility would be to shift Tyson Jost to the middle of the ice and promote a wing. They won’t play until Friday evening, so there is time to make adjustments.
Colorado might also have to find a temporary replacement for Devon Toews. The defenceman blocked a shot with his foot against San Jose and is questionable for the next contest. If Toews is out, either Conor Timmins or Greg Pateryn should slide into the lineup for at least one game. Colorado has suffered multiple injuries, but they have enough depth to survive for now.
Hoping for some quick healing for these guys. #GoAvsGohttps://t.co/xWNPZJ7t4P
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 29, 2021
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