Ryan Wilson and Milan Hejduk swap places on the IR list

Wilson's return breathes even more life into a struggling defense as the pairing of Number 44 and recently-reactivated Erik Johnson will once again man the blueline. Wilson suffered a freak ankle injury in the February 2 game against the Edmonton Oilers. The defenseman seemed to step on a stick in the crease, sending him crashing to the ice. It was diagnosed as an upper-ankle sprain. The Avalanche beat the Oilers 3-1.

Hejduk is suffering from a torso injury sustained during an overtime loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 3. Derek MacKenzie leveled Hejduk with a hit that was neither penalized nor reviewed, despite the fact it was clearly illegal. The league really screwed the pooch on this one. (No, I'm still not over it.) The extent of Hejduk's injury has not been discussed by the Avalanche, and the Czech forward has been practicing with the team. This could be a move to delay dealing with the issue that there are too many guys on the roster if all are healthy and active.

The Avalanche face the San Jose Sharks tonight at the Pepsi Center. News of which defensemen will be scratched has not been released, but expect Wilson to be in the lineup.

UPDATE: Sacco announced that Tyson Barrie will be scratched again tonight. The other defenseman will be a game-time decision.