The Colorado Avalanche announced they have reassigned forwards Nikolai Kovalenko, Nikita Prishchepov and Ivan Ivan to their AHL affiliate Colorado Eagles.
This is likely a paper move in order to create cap space and activate forward Artturi Lehkonen off injured reserve. Expect more moves before Colorado's game against Seattle on Nov. 5.
A seventh round pick in June, Prishchepov became the third player from the 2024 draft to play a game in the NHL after Macklin Celebrini and Jett Luchanko.
The 20-year-old went pointless and recorded two shots in 13:30 of ice time in his NHL debut. He has one goal and four points in six AHL games this season.
Kovalenko has one goal and four points in 12 games with the Avalanche. He has yet to play in the AHL this season but recorded three points in four games and one goal in two Calder Cup playoff games with the Eagles last season.
Ivan Ivan has two goals and two assists in 12 games this season.
With Jonathan Drouin, Valeri Nichushkin, Ross Colton, and Miles Wood all dealing with injuries Colorado needs all the help they can get up front. This will likely keep at least two of these three players in the lineup.
The Avalanche resorted to playing defenseman Oliver Kylington at forward in their Oct. 30 game against Tampa Bay.
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