Jonathan Drouin's challenging season takes another hit as he will miss the Colorado Avalanche's upcoming game against the Chicago Blackhawks, marking the 33rd game he has been sidelined this season. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism about Drouin's possible return for the following night’s matchup against the Minnesota Wild, emphasizing that Drouin's upper-body injury does not require management and poses no risk of worsening.

Drouin has struggled with this injury since the season opener, seeing intermittent returns for a total of nine games, where he has netted three goals and eight points. His last return included a dramatic game-tying goal in a comeback victory against the Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, rookie goaltender Trent Miner is set to make his NHL debut, becoming the Avalanche’s sixth goalie to start this season due to Scott Wedgewood's foot injury.