Avs morning skate notebook: Avs get a defenseman back

SAN JOSE, Calif. – There will be a change in the Avalanche’s defensive rotation tonight, when they play the San Jose Sharks here at SAP Center.

Ian Cole, out since Feb. 7 following a broken orbital bone around his left eye, will return to the lineup and replace rookie Ryan Graves.

Cole will wear a full facial shield, something he’s actually done before. He wore one last season after losing several teeth.

“Obviously, it’s not ideal to be out a couple of weeks, but it’s one of those things that happens,” Cole told BSN Denver. “It’s a very small bone (orbital), a very fragile bone, so it tends to get injured. Hopefully, I can get right back to a good game, personally, and continue the way the team’s playing.”

Avs coach Jared Bednar said it was actually a tough decision in sitting out Graves, who has performed better than expected so far. Graves will continue to stay on the roster, as he would have to clear waivers to be sent back to the Colorado Eagles.

“It’s tough decisions on the back end, and hopefully that can drive the best out of all our guys,” Bednar said. “Graves came in and was a pleasant surprise. He’s played well at both ends of the ice. We’re gonna have some decisions back there, but that’s a good thing. I think our depth speaks a little bit where we’re trying to get to as a team. I’d like to see (Cole) keep his game simple, use his first pass to get us in and out of our zone and bring that physical presence, that defending mentality. We’ve done a nice job defensively as of late. It has to continue tonight against a real strong team.”

Semyon Varlamov will get the start in goal for the Avs, who are one point out of the playoff wild card picture. Sharks veterans Evander Kane and Erik Karlsson will miss the game because of injuries.