Update: Eurolanche is reporting O'Reilly has a minor injury that has kept him out.

For Avalanche fans desperately searching for signs that Ryan O'Reilly will once again join the team, here is a carrot for you: he did not pay in his team's latest game.

While this in and of itself means nothing, it is something to latch on hope for.

O'Reilly has not missed a game with Metallurg Magnitogorsk since he went over to Russia in December and in his career, he has only missed ten games in his three year NHL career, eight of those coming when he collided head first into the boards.

Radar is a durable player who will play through extreme pain, just to be out there with his teammates. For that reason, O'Reilly not being on the ice can burgeon hope within Avs fans that the contract dispute is coming to an end, instead of the possibility that he has been injured.

O'Reilly is one of the last remaining restricted free agents who are unsigned. According to the Denver Post, O'Reilly and his agent, Mark Guy, are seeking a four or five year deal worth $5 million per year while the Avs are hoping for a shorter year deal worth $3-4 million per year.

The Avs are hoping to sign him in time for the season, or the very least, in time for him to be on the ice for the home opener against defending champion Los Angeles Kings.

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