Avalanche facing long-term complications on the blue line

The Colorado Avalanche placed defenseman Josh Manson on long-term injured reserve on Monday following an ankle injury. The roster move means Manson will miss at least 10 games or 24 days, likely sidelining him for the rest of November. Manson's placement on LTIR alongside Zachary L'Heureux opened up $3.95 million in salary cap space, prompting the Avalanche to recall defenseman Alex Gagne from the AHL's Colorado Eagles.

Meanwhile, defenseman Cale Makar left Sunday's practice with an apparent lower-body issue. While head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Makar is traveling on the upcoming road trip, his availability for Tuesday against Toronto remains uncertain. Nestor Quixtan of Mile High Sticking notes that Colorado possesses sufficient internal defensive depth from the Eagles for now, making an external trade unnecessary unless injuries worsen.