Still no Conor Timmins on the ice.
The concussion symptoms that prevented the 19-year-old defenseman from taking part in on-ice drills at development camp in July kept him off the ice again Friday at the Avalanche’s rookie practice.
“Conor still has concussion-like symptoms,… assistant general manager Craig Billington said. “He’s made a lot of progress throughout the summer and (we) monitored that and he’s in the proper protocol procedure medically. We’ll keep working with him.…
Timmins, who was Colorado’s second-round pick (No. 32) in the 2017 NHL draft, was injured during the OHL playoffs in the spring while playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He’s one of the few rookies – forward Vladislav Kamenev is another – given a realistic chance of making the Avalanche’s opening night roster.
“Concussions are challenging to timeline them, but I know things have been progressing positively,… Billington said. “That’s a good sign. We’ll go from there.…
Timmins had 41 points (eight goals, 33 assists) in 36 regular-season games last year, and 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 23 playoff games.
The Avalanche would have liked to have seen him get a head start at the rookie tournament in Las Vegas that begins Saturday before training camp opens next Thursday, but that isn’t going to happen.
2018 first-round draft pick Martin Kaut and Kamenev, who was acquired in the Matt Duchene trade, are among the 28 rookies who will play.
“There’s a lot for us to look at,… Billington said. “I look for enthusiasm out of the players. Let’s face it, it’s the game of hockey, it’s a great game, and you want to see energy and you want to see guys bring out what they do best. There’s a real eclectic mix of players … so when you put it all together, everyone’s got something that’s brought them here and different departments have highly recommended them coming.
“Now it’s a matter of getting on the ice and blending them together to compete against other organizations’ peer groups and see how they do.…
All tournament games will be played at City National Arena, the Vegas Golden Knights’ practice facility.
The Avalanche play Vegas on Saturday at 7 p.m. PT; Anaheim on Sunday at 5 p.m. PT; practice on Monday at 10:30 a.m. PT; and play San Jose on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. PT.
The Avalanche will open a six-game preseason schedule Sept. 18 against Vegas at the Pepsi Center.
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The Avalanche will host an inaugural Fan Fest from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. MT on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Pepsi Center. Attendance is free.
The event will be an interactive experience to provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at a team practice. Fans will get a peek into practice strategy and view in-practice interviews with players and coaches. A player contest will be held after practice.
The Fan Fest is a non-ticketed event, but fans are encouraged to RSVP at www.coloradoavalanche.com to be eligible for prizes.