clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Morning Flurries: Thanksgiving Eve

A couple injured stars are close to making their return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup

By Jackie Kay
Colorado Avalanche v Calgary Flames Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images

On the day before the rematch against the Edmonton Oilers there was little clarity provided on the possible Colorado Avalanche lineup. Mikko Rantanen skated through practice in a regular jersey and spoke to the media for the first time since his injury occurred but he indicated the weekend would be his most likely return. Erik Johnson participated in a non-contact sweater and head coach Jared Bednar said he would be questionable to the next game. Gabe Landeskog made his first appearance on the ice shooting pucks prior to practice, which is a positive sign. Defenseman Calle Rosen was recalled prior to the practice sessions this week but has been skating with frequent scratch Mark Barberio so it remains to be seen how the Avalanche plan to work Rosen into the lineup if they desire to.

Another installment of fun Cale Makar answers and other assorted player potpourri from the NHL media tour.

Andre Burakovsky chatted on NHL Network radio about how he’s been able to produce in Colorado.

The League

An unfortunate situation developing with respect to Calgary Flames head coach Bill Peters with respect to racist remarks and the ongoing investigation including his employment status.

Frank Seravelli of TSN did some great reporting on the story. He spoke directly with Aliu and found ex-teammates who confirmed the story while discussing the ramifications for the Flames, Peters and the NHL as a whole. [TSN]

“This isn’t me being bitter. I sat on this a really, really long time. It broke my heart, I think it made my career go downhill before it started,” Aliu said. “This isn’t to the degree of Kaepernick by any means, but if you play the race card, it’s most likely the end of your career.”

Aliu said he did not confront Peters at the time of the incident, nor in the private meeting that followed in Peters’ office.

“What am I going to say? I was 20 years old and a first-year pro. I was too scared to speak up,” Aliu said. “I beat myself up every day over it.”

The clock is ticking on the Jesse Puljujarvi saga if he is to play in the NHL this season.

It’s never too early to start thinking about the draft and an installment of the ever popular “Craig’s List” was just released.