J.T. Compher: back in the saddle again

Good news from Avalanche medical room today: J.T. Compher is good to go.

Compher, out since Oct. 13 with concussion symptoms following a hit from Calgary’s Sam Bennett, will return to the Avs lineup Friday night against the Arizona Coyotes. Compher practiced in a non-contact jersey Thursday at practice in California, before the team boarded a flight to Phoenix.

What line partners Compher will have hasn’t been decided yet, at least not publicly. Jared Bednar will likely reveal that after the morning skate Friday. Someone who has been in the lineup of late probably will have to come out. Rookie Sheldon Dries is probably the most likely candidate.

Although the Avs have been scoring lots of goals lately, including seven in a win over Los Angeles Wednesday night, they missed Compher when he was gone. He adds speed and versatility to the lineup and helps out on the penalty kill.

Philipp Grubauer will start in goal for the Avs, who hope to complete a three-game sweep of their current road trip that started Sunday in Anaheim.