No word yet on Tyson Barrie prognosis, but it could be "10 days to eight weeks"

The official word from the Colorado Avalanche on a timetable for Tyson Barrie’s broken hand injury? Well, there is none yet. With the NHL on official holiday break, from all hockey activities until Wednesday, the Avs are keeping mum on just how long the valuable offensive defenseman will be out.

But BSN Denver consulted a person with longtime NHL medical-room experience and got this prognosis, based on a description of Barrie’s injury:

“We had the same injury on two players. One recovered in 10 days, the other in eight weeks. Identical fracture. One never knows with these guys,” said the person, who asked not to be identified publicly.

Of course, it’s important to note that this is just the opinion of someone who hasn’t actually seen the X-rays.

Jared Bednar acknowledged on Saturday night, after the Avs beat the Arizona Coyotes 6-2, that Barrie suffered a fractured bone in his right hand after taking a slap shot from Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The fracture is believed to be to the bone between the thumb and forefinger.

The Avs are expected to give a prognosis after Wednesday’s morning skate, as they play the Coyotes again at the Pepsi Center. As of Tuesday, the Avs had yet to call up anyone from their AHL affiliate in San Antonio. Who could get the call if they do? Almost certainly, it would be either Chris Bigras or Andrei Mironov – or both. If Bednar elects to go with seven defensemen during games, as he has often of late, he might want eight D-men available, not just the six right now, with Barrie’s loss.

Barrie is currently tied for second among all NHL defensemen in scoring, with 27 points.