In a significant blow to their forward depth, the Colorado Avalanche announced that winger Miles Wood has been placed on injured reserve with an upper body injury. Head coach Jared Bednar delivered the sobering news in his latest press conference, revealing that Wood is considered “month-to-month” as he begins his recovery process.
The 29-year-old journeyman, who joined the Avalanche this offseason after eight seasons with the New Jersey Devils, had been providing a physical presence and secondary scoring punch to Colorado’s bottom six forwards. In 16 games, Wood tallied two goals and one assist while averaging just over 10 minutes of ice time per contest.
The specific nature of Wood’s upper body ailment was not disclosed, as is often the case in the tight-lipped NHL. However, the “month-to-month” designation from Bednar suggests it is a significant injury that will keep the gritty winger out of action for an extended period.
Potential Roster Ripple Effects
Wood’s absence opens the door for other Avalanche forwards to step up and fill the void. According to a team source, speedy winger Martin Kaut, who has shuttled between Colorado and their AHL affiliate this season, is a prime candidate to see an uptick in playing time.
The Avalanche could also opt to recall a forward from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles to provide additional depth. Prospects like Alex Beaucage and Oskar Olausson will be chomping at the bit for an NHL opportunity.
Miles Wood’s NHL Journey
A fourth-round pick of the Devils in 2013, Miles Wood has carved out a respectable NHL career as an energy winger willing to throw his body around and chip in offensively. His best season came in 2017-18 when he posted 19 goals and 32 points in 76 games with New Jersey.
After parts of eight seasons with the Devils organization, Wood signed a one-year contract with the reigning champion Avalanche this past summer. He was viewed as a savvy depth addition by General Manager Chris MacFarland, someone who could replace some of the sandpaper lost when Darren Helm departed in free agency.
“Miles is a big, strong winger who is an excellent skater,” MacFarland said at the time of the signing. “He’s consistently contributed offensively throughout his career and we think his style of play will mesh well with our group.”
Avalanche Soldier On
Losing Wood for an extended period is undoubtedly a setback for the Avalanche, but it’s one this deep and talented team is well-equipped to handle. Coach Bednar will likely have to shuffle his bottom six forwards and hope an internal option can seize the opportunity created by Wood’s unfortunate injury.
For Wood, the focus shifts to rest, recovery and eventually rehabilitation as he eyes a potential late-season return. The veteran forward has bounced back from injuries before and will surely attack this recovery with his trademark tenacity and work ethic.
In the meantime, the Avalanche march on as they look to defend their Stanley Cup title. While Miles Wood’s grit and energy will certainly be missed, this remains a formidable squad with championship aspirations. As the old adage goes, one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity—now we wait to see which Avalanche players will rise to the occasion in Wood’s absence.
