Avalanche returns from shutdown; announce 11 positive player COVID tests since Dec. 16

Cale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on Dec. 1, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Avalanche 8-3.The Avalanche returned from its COVID shutdown on Sunday with just 15 skaters and goalie Darcy Kuemper practicing at Ball Arena, along with the entire coaching staff.

The team announced it had 11 players test positive since Dec. 16, and forwards Mikko Rantanen, Nazem Kadri, Logan O’Connor and defenseman Kurtis MacDermid and goalie Pavel Francouz are currently on the COVID protocol list.

Kuemper came off the list, along with defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews. All three missed the Avs’…