<h2> Avalanche Face Long-Term Absence of Key Forward </h2> <div align='center' style='padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;'><img src='https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/i/photo/340769.webp' width='100%' border='0' alt='image' loading='lazy' defer /></div> The Colorado Avalanche are grappling with a significant loss. Insider Elliotte Friedman has reported that forward Artturi Lehkonen is likely to be sidelined long-term. <q>Friedman on 32TP mentions it looks like Lehkonen's injury is pretty significant and the Avalanche are in the market to add some depth scoring.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHL_Watcher/status/1726642312200221033?t=T_DE5WuCzREtYCDBDAb0Yg&s=19'> </a></blockquote></div> During a game against the Seattle Kraken, Lehkonen was injured following a heavy hit into the boards by Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. Lehkonen was hospitalized, and according to Head Coach Jared Bednar, is expected to miss several weeks due to a neck injury. <q>Lehkonen has gone to the locker room after crashing into the boards</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1722819146524561744?t=exg0Vs3-idgvpS-aius_JA&s=19'> </a></blockquote></div> <q>Head coach Jared Bednar said Artturi Lehkonen will miss «weeks» due to upper body injury.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/THNFlynn/status/1723406586738057259?t=CQENPnH1-_ihof6ozO1nTw&s=19'> </a></blockquote></div> In light of this development, Friedman has indicated that the Avalanche might seek to reinforce their offense through a new acquisition, compensating for Lehkonen's absence. Lehkonen has scored 3 goals and amassed 8 points in 12 games this season, contributing to Colorado's 11-5-0 record. As seen on Puck Reporter - <a href='https://www.puckreporter.com/nhl-team/colorado-avalanche/Colorado-Avalanche-Officially-Looking-to-Make-a-Trade-After-Major-Injury' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Colorado Avalanche Officially Looking to Make a Trade After Major Injury</a>