Tyson Barrie will sit out tonight against the Detroit Red Wings with a hip flexor injury. That slot will be filled by the "other Shattenkirk replacement" that has not seen but one game of big league action since 2012.
Stefan Elliott is facing what one could describe as the biggest game of his career thus far. In the grand scheme of things, it's just another NHL game against another NHL team. But for Elliott, it's more than that. He's going to be watched. He's going to be scrutinized. He's fighting for his Avalanche life this season, and it starts right here, right now.
When Barrie and Elliott were drafted, everyone figured the better of the two would be kept, especially after the departure of Kevin Shattenkirk. Early on, it appeared Elliott would be that guy. Appearing in 39 games in the 2011-12 season, he looked NHL ready. The following year, however, he wasn't a regular on the Avs roster, seeing only 18 NHL games in the lockout shortened season. He's only played one NHL game since then. Meanwhile, Barrie has been tearing it up under the new coaching regime. He's become an asset so great that his absence was a major part in the playoffs loss last season. Thus, it's been looking like Barrie was the better pick of the two. Perceptions can change so quickly.
Elliott still can show the Avs he is a needed commodity for them. He's had a fantastic year with the Lake Erie Monsters, making an All Star appearance a couple of weeks ago. The brass ring is his for the taking, but can he do it? It won't be easy with Erik Johnson out of the line up. Elliott won't get the kind of sheltering he otherwise would, sheltering that he really needs to succeed as he transitions to the majors.
That's why tonight's such a big game for him. Do well, and he begins to strengthen the argument to extend his contract at the end of the season. Do poorly, and Elliott might not see a burgundy & blue jersey with his name on it hanging in the locker room again.