Colorado Avalanche bring back defenseman Jacob MacDonald to bolster their lineup amid injuries and roster adjustments.
The Colorado Avalanche have called up defenseman Jacob MacDonald from their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, to reinforce their lineup amid a string of injuries. With key players like Samuel Girard, Erik Johnson, and Josh Manson sidelined, MacDonald’s addition provides much-needed depth as the Avalanche faces off against the Detroit Red Wings. His recall brings the roster size to 25, likely under emergency conditions, ensuring the team remains competitive despite the missing pieces.
MacDonald, a versatile defenseman who can also play as a left-winger, is no stranger to the Avalanche organization. After initially joining Colorado in 2019 via a trade from the Florida Panthers, he spent nearly four years with the team before being sent to the San Jose Sharks in the middle of the 2022-23 season. Last summer, he made his return to the Avalanche, signing a two-year contract that gave him another opportunity to prove his value within the franchise.
This season, MacDonald has been a standout player for the Colorado Eagles, dominating the AHL with his offensive abilities from the blue line. In 55 games, he has scored an impressive 27 goals and registered 23 assists for 50 points. His goal tally puts him just three shy of breaking the AHL record for most goals by a defenseman in a single season, a milestone set by John Slaney years ago. Though his NHL recall may momentarily pause his pursuit of that record, he remains a crucial piece in the Eagles’ success and has shown he can step up when needed at the highest level.
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At 32 years old, MacDonald brings experience and reliability to the Avalanche’s defensive unit. In his previous NHL appearances with Colorado, he played 74 games between 2020 and 2023, contributing a goal and ten assists while maintaining a solid +10 rating. His average ice time of 11:37 per game suggests he will likely slot into a third-pairing role, likely filling in for Johnson alongside Keaton Middleton.
MacDonald’s stint with the Avalanche may be temporary, as he is expected to return to the AHL once the injured defensemen recover. However, his ability to seamlessly transition between leagues makes him a valuable asset. With one more year left on his two-way contract, he will continue to provide depth for the organization before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Image Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
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