Steve Downie lost for season with ACL tear; how will Avalanche adjust?

The Colorado Avalanche announced that Steve Downie is out for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee, and that stinks. Especially when the injury allegedly occurred on a missed check against David Drewiske of the Los Angeles Kings. Who wants to blow out a knee without at least registering a hit?

(Oh, who are we kidding: The official scorer probably gave him one anyway. They give those out like duck sauce packets at a Chinese takeout joint.)

Downie was strong for the Avalanche last season after he was swiped from the Tampa Bay Lightning for Kyle Quincey. He had eight points in five games, but a shoulder injury limited his abilities as the season continued.

Downie had surgery on it in the offseason. He’s in the first year of a 2-year deal with the Avs.

Downie skated with John Mitchell and Milan Hejduk this season. He hadn’t played particularly well early, but the Avs will miss his tenacity and physical presence in the long run. He’s the kind of player that brings it every shift, and is more than willing to mix it up with opponents (even if he can go over the edge at times).

Where will they turn? Adrian Dater has the skinny:

With Downie out, veteran Chuck Kobasew will take his spot in the lineup.

The Avalanche recalled forward Brad Malone from Lake Erie of the American Hockey League. Malone played some with the Avs last season, notching two assists in nine games. He had 14 points (six goals) in 37 games this season with the Monsters.

Sandie Gauthier offered this take on Mile High Hockey:

This isn't good news for the Avalanche faithful, however, this might force the Avalanche to make a move on Ryan O`Reilly. What do you think? Will the Avs now rush to sign Radar?

One would hope they’re already in a rush to do so.