Avalanche Notes: Manson, Kiviranta, Ahcan
Avalanche Notes: Manson, Kiviranta, Ahcan
The Colorado Avalanche are navigating a whirlwind of roster changes as they enter the critical stages of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In a series of high-stakes updates ahead of Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild, the team has confirmed the return of veteran defenseman Josh Manson and forward Joel Kiviranta. Adding to the intrigue, rookie Jack Ahcan has been recalled from the AHL to make his NHL playoff debut. These shifts come at a pivotal moment, as the Avalanche look to overcome a 5-1 loss in Game 3 and manage unexpected injuries to key contributors like Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski. With the blue line and forward depth undergoing a significant reshuffle, the coaching staff is betting on size, experience, and fresh energy to reclaim the momentum in this second-round series.
The Colorado Avalanche lineup for Game 4 features the return of Josh Manson (upper body) and Joel Kiviranta (undisclosed), while Jack Ahcan makes his postseason debut. These additions offset the surprising absences of Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski, both sidelined with upper-body injuries. Additionally, Mackenzie Blackwood takes over the starting goaltender duties from Scott Wedgewood as the team seeks to level the series against the Minnesota Wild.
The Return of Josh Manson: Physicality on the Blue Line
Josh Manson’s return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup marks a significant boost for the team’s defensive corps. After suffering an upper-body injury during the first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings, Manson missed the first three games of the second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. His presence is expected to provide the physical edge that head coach Jared Bednar noted was missing in previous contests. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 218 pounds, Manson is a defensive force who excels at clearing the net-front area and neutralizing the Wild’s heavy forecheck.
During the regular season, Manson posted a career-best plus-42 rating, underscoring his reliability and impact on both ends of the ice. His return allows the Avalanche to restore balance to their defensive pairings. For Game 4, Manson is expected to slot back into the third pairing, providing a veteran anchor alongside younger skaters. His ability to kill penalties and absorb heavy minutes will be crucial as the Avalanche attempt to suppress a Minnesota offense that found its rhythm in Game 3.
Joel Kiviranta Re-enters the Forward Group
Joel Kiviranta is back in action for the Avalanche after a five-game absence due to an undisclosed injury. Kiviranta, known for his playoff heroics in previous years, brings a high-energy, "grit-and-grind" style to the bottom six. His return is particularly timely given the sudden loss of Artturi Lehkonen to an upper-body injury. While Kiviranta typically skates on the fourth line, his versatility allows the coaching staff to move him up the lineup if needed to provide defensive stability or a spark on the forecheck.
Kiviranta last played on April 21, and his inclusion in the Game 4 roster is a strategic move to bolster the team’s depth. In the playoffs, where attrition is often the deciding factor, having a healthy and experienced forward like Kiviranta provides insurance against further injuries. He is slated to join a line centered by Jack Drury, a unit tasked with physical play and preventing the Wild's top lines from gaining easy entry into the Colorado zone.
Jack Ahcan’s NHL Playoff Debut
In one of the more surprising developments of the postseason, defenseman Jack Ahcan has been recalled from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles to make his NHL playoff debut. Ahcan has spent the season shuttling between the NHL and AHL, providing a mobile, puck-moving option for the Avalanche. Despite his smaller stature at 5'8", Ahcan’s skating ability and vision make him a threat in transition. His debut comes at the expense of Nick Blankenburg, who will be a healthy scratch for Game 4.
Ahcan’s journey to this moment has been a whirlwind. He was in the midst of a Calder Cup playoff run with the Eagles before being summoned to St. Paul. Playing in his home state of Minnesota adds a layer of emotional weight to his debut. The Avalanche coaching staff appears to favor the left-handed Ahcan to create a better handedness balance on the blue line, especially when paired with the right-handed Manson. His ability to handle the speed of the NHL postseason will be under a microscope as he faces a relentless Minnesota forecheck.
Surprise Injuries: Lehkonen and Malinski Sidelined
The news of Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski missing Game 4 sent shockwaves through the Avalanche fanbase. Both players participated in the morning skate, yet were later ruled out with upper-body injuries. Lehkonen has been a postseason standout for Colorado, tallying three goals and six points in seven games. His absence leaves a massive void on the top line and the power-play unit. Captain Gabriel Landeskog has been moved up to skate with Nathan MacKinnon to compensate for the loss of Lehkonen’s two-way excellence.
Sam Malinski’s injury is equally impactful. The 27-year-old defenseman had been a revelation, averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time and contributing three points in the playoffs. Malinski’s poise with the puck and offensive instincts from the blue line will be missed. These "surprise" injuries highlight the brutal nature of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and force the Avalanche to rely heavily on their depth and the recently returned veterans to maintain their competitive edge.
Goaltending Shift: Mackenzie Blackwood Takes the Net
After a difficult Game 3 that saw Scott Wedgewood pulled after allowing three goals on 12 shots, Jared Bednar has turned to Mackenzie Blackwood for Game 4. Blackwood and Wedgewood shared the William M. Jennings Trophy this season, reflecting the team’s league-best goals-against average. However, the playoffs require a "hot hand," and Blackwood’s relief appearance in Game 3 provided the coaching staff with enough confidence to give him the start.
| Player | Game 4 Status / Note |
|---|---|
| Josh Manson | Returned from Injury (Upper Body) |
| Joel Kiviranta | Returned from Injury (Undisclosed) |
| Jack Ahcan | Recalled from AHL; Playoff Debut |
| Mackenzie Blackwood | Starting Goalie for Game 4 |
| Artturi Lehkonen | Out (Upper Body) |
| Sam Malinski | Out (Upper Body) |
Lineup Adjustments and Tactical Changes
The absence of Lehkonen has forced a significant reshuffle of the forward lines. Valeri Nichushkin has moved down to the third line to provide a veteran presence alongside Nazem Kadri, while Logan O'Connor moves up to the second line. These changes are designed to distribute scoring threats across three lines rather than stacking the top unit. The Avalanche are hoping that the new-look second line, featuring Ross Colton and Nicolas Roy flanking Brock Nelson, can generate the secondary scoring needed to pressure the Wild.
Defensively, the pairing of Ahcan and Manson offers a "speed and power" dynamic. While Ahcan can facilitate the breakout, Manson will be tasked with the heavy lifting in the corners. The team’s overall strategy focuses on limiting "easy skating plays" for the Wild, a point emphasized by Logan O'Connor in pre-game interviews. By tightening the neutral zone and utilizing the physicality of Manson, Colorado aims to dictate the pace of the game from the opening puck drop.
The Stakes of Game 4 in St. Paul
Game 4 represents a crossroads for the Avalanche. Trailing 2-1 in the series, a loss would put them on the brink of elimination, while a win levels the series and restores home-ice advantage. The atmosphere at Grand Casino Arena is expected to be electric, and the Avalanche must weather an early storm from a confident Minnesota squad. The return of Manson and Kiviranta provides a psychological boost, but the execution on the ice—particularly on special teams—will be the deciding factor.
The Avalanche’s power play, which struggled without Lehkonen’s net-front presence in the latter stages of Game 3, needs to find a way to penetrate the Wild's structured penalty kill. Conversely, the penalty kill must remain disciplined against a Wild power play that has been clinical throughout the series. The "next man up" mentality will be tested more than ever as Colorado leans on its depth players to play above their usual roles.
FAQ: Avalanche Roster and Injury Updates
Why is Artturi Lehkonen not playing in Game 4?
Artturi Lehkonen is sidelined with an upper-body injury. Despite participating in the morning skate, the coaching staff determined he was unable to play. There is no current timeline for his return.
Who is Jack Ahcan and why was he called up?
Jack Ahcan is a mobile, left-handed defenseman recalled from the AHL's Colorado Eagles. He was brought in to provide defensive depth and a better handedness balance on the third pairing following the injury to Sam Malinski.
What is the status of Josh Manson?
Josh Manson has officially returned to the lineup for Game 4. He had been out since April 23 with an upper-body injury sustained during the first round of the playoffs.
Why did the Avalanche change their starting goaltender?
Head coach Jared Bednar opted for Mackenzie Blackwood after Scott Wedgewood was pulled in Game 3. Blackwood had a strong relief performance and the team is looking for a momentum shift in the crease.
Is Joel Kiviranta fully healthy?
Joel Kiviranta has been cleared to play after missing five games. While the specific nature of his undisclosed injury wasn't revealed, he is expected to fulfill his usual high-energy role on the fourth line.
Conclusion
The Colorado Avalanche’s Game 4 lineup is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NHL playoffs. While the loss of Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski is a significant blow to the team’s chemistry and special teams, the return of Josh Manson and Joel Kiviranta provides much-needed physicality and veteran savvy. The debut of Jack Ahcan and the starting nod for Mackenzie Blackwood reflect a team willing to make bold adjustments to keep their championship hopes alive. As the series against the Minnesota Wild intensifies, the Avalanche’s ability to integrate these changes quickly and effectively will determine if they can leave St. Paul with a tied series or facing a daunting elimination game.
Avalanche Notes: Manson, Kiviranta, Ahcan
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