The Avalanche have announced that a key winger will be sidelined for the entirety of the first-round series against the Jets.

The Colorado Avalanche will have to navigate through the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs without their top-line left wing, Jonathan Drouin. Drouin, who enjoyed a career-best season with 19 goals and 56 points, sustained a lower-body injury during the team’s final regular-season game against the Edmonton Oilers.

With the series against the Winnipeg Jets kicking off on Sunday at the Canada Life Centre, Drouin’s absence leaves a significant void in the Avalanche lineup. His linemate and NHL Hart Trophy candidate, Nathan MacKinnon, expressed sympathy for Drouin, acknowledging his disappointment at missing out on the playoffs after working hard all season.

MacKinnon, who finished second in the scoring race with 140 points, anchors the Avalanche’s top line alongside Mikko Rantanen on the right wing. Drouin’s injury presents a challenge for the team, with forward Zach Parise stepping in during practice as a potential replacement. However, head coach Jared Bednar emphasized that Parise’s presence in that role for Sunday’s game was not confirmed.