Mar 14, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (42) checks into the boards Calgary Flames left wing Ryan Lomberg (70) during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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Avalanche Defenseman Josh Manson Sidelined Week-to-Week

Colorado's blue line takes a hit as Josh Manson is ruled out week-to-week with an injury, impacting their defensive depth during the playoff push.

The Colorado Avalanche will have to manage without veteran defenseman Josh Manson for the foreseeable future. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Manson, who already missed a game due to an upper-body injury, will be out for at least a couple of weeks. The injury occurred during Friday’s matchup against Calgary, but the exact moment remains unclear. It’s also uncertain whether this setback is related to the previous upper-body issue that kept him sidelined for 12 games earlier this season.

Manson has been a crucial piece of Colorado’s blue line since arriving from Anaheim at the 2022 trade deadline. His physical presence helped the Avs secure their Stanley Cup that year, earning him a four-year, $18 million extension. However, his time in Denver has been riddled with injuries. Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Manson has only suited up for 151 of 232 possible games, meaning he’s missed roughly 35% of Colorado’s contests. While he remained relatively healthy last year, playing over 70 games, his availability this season has been inconsistent.

Avalanche’s Josh Manson Out Week-To-Weekhttps://t.co/2ly0Dtgmcs
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) March 17, 2025

Through 48 games in 2024-25, the 33-year-old has recorded one goal and 14 assists while leading all Colorado defensemen with 105 hits. However, his defensive metrics tell a different story, his -4.8 relative Corsi for percentage and a team-worst -7.7 expected rating at even strength highlight his struggles. Despite his experience, his two-way game has been a concern for the Avs this season.

The Avalanche don’t have any other injuries on the blue line at the moment, but Manson’s absence exposes their lack of right-side depth. With him out, Erik Johnson and Sam Malinski will be tasked with stepping up behind superstar Cale Makar.

Colorado made moves at the trade deadline to strengthen their lineup, but their defense remains an area of concern. With the playoffs approaching, Manson’s recovery timeline will be critical for the Avs as they push for a deep postseason run.

Image Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Colorado Avalanche

Josh Manson

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Anamika Shrivastava

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