Sunday Brunch: Colorado Avalanche looking to rest up and the kids get their season started

With a full week off between their last preseason game and the start of the regular season, the Colorado Avalanche took to the ice for a day of tough practice today before being given the day off today.

Jonathan Bernier, Tyson Jost and others are still working through some aches and pains, so a day away from the rink will do some good physically, as well as give the whole team some time to clear their heads before the grind of the NHL season.

One bit of news from yesterday is that Duncan Siemens clears waivers. He hasn’t been immediately re-assigned to San Antonio, but he isn’t likely to be in the lineup opening night. He is being kept around as the 8th defender for now, but many are still expecting the Avs to use their top waiver priority on a defenseman before the start of the season - at which point, Siemens will be on his way to the AHL.

It’s going to be a long bunch of days until the puck drops on the regular season, but in the meantime, take a look at what some of our writers expect (hope) for this season in our MHH roundtable. [Part 1 & Part 2]

The Prospects

Cale Makar was held pointless but had four shots on net in his first NCAA preseason game last night against Queens University.

In the CHL, Travis Barron had two goals and 9 shots on net as his Ottawa 67s lost to Flint 5-4 in overtime last night. Barron has looked great through the early parts of the OHL season.

Thanks to Rudo3 for this video of Barron’s second goal of the night.