Avalanche claim D Andrew Bodnarchuk off waivers

The Colorado Avalanche have added the 50th contract to the organization in defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk (27, 5’11”, 196 lbs). Bodnarchuk, claimed off waivers from the Columbus Blue Jackets, has 21 NHL career games thus far. He has two assists in that time and no goals. The Drumheller, Alberta, native was selected by Boston in the fifth round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft (128th overall) and has spent the bulk of his career in the American Hockey League. In his 487 games with the AHL, Bodnarchuk has 143 points (32g, 111a).

This season, Bodnarchuk has skated for the Blue Jackets in 16 games (0g, 2a) and the team’s and former Avalanche AHL affiliate Lake Erie Monsters in 14 games (2g, 6a). He is considered an all-around defenseman with decent skating abilities and a hard shot. That he hails from the QMJHL and has a reputation for being a hard worker, quality teammate and positive locker room presence should not surprise fans as these have become hallmark traits of players acquired under the Roy-Sakic regime.

The addition of Bodnarchuk is very likely a response to Erik Johnson’s injury in last night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. Details have not been released on Johnson other than he has a lower body injury. Given the decimated state of the San Antonio Rampage blueline due to the team’s own injury woes, it’s understandable Colorado chose to take the waiver approach rather than calling someone up from the team right now. Bodnarchuk needs to appear in 10 games or remain with the Avalanche for 30 days before he can be sent to the minors and would be subject to waivers again if reassigned. Therefore, it’s unlikely we will see Duncan Siemens, Nikita Zadorov, or Chris Bigras recalled at this time.