Josh Manson's health is a critical concern for the Avalanche as they pursue the Stanley Cup. The 34-year-old defenseman has had a standout season, but his current condition could impact the team's playoff performance.
Key points
Josh Manson is dealing with health issues.
He had a standout regular season with 31 points.
Manson's plus-42 rating is a career high.
His health is critical for the Avalanche's playoff success.
Josh Manson is clearly battling through something at one of the toughest points of the season.
The 34-year-old defenseman is coming off one of the best regular seasons of his career. Manson, a Hinsdale, Illinois native who was raised in Canada, posted five goals and 26 assists for 31 points across 79 games, while his plus-42 rating marked a new career high.
Manson’s night ends early after heavy collision
Manson left Thursday’s game after a violent collision near the Kings’ bench involving Joel Edmundson. The hit sent him crashing awkwardly into the top of the boards, where the padding is thinner and less forgiving. His torso appeared to absorb most of the blow, particularly around the ribs and midsection, and he stayed down briefly before making his way off.
He exited late in the first period, then attempted to return in the second after missing several shifts. The comeback was short-lived. Manson logged only 36 seconds before another difficult sequence ended with Los Angeles scoring and Manson taking a high-sticking minor as the play concluded.
Q&A
What is Josh Manson's current health status with the Avalanche?
Josh Manson is battling through health issues that are concerning for the Avalanche during their Stanley Cup chase.
How did Josh Manson perform in the regular season?
In the regular season, Josh Manson recorded five goals and 26 assists for a total of 31 points in 79 games, achieving a plus-42 rating.
Why is Josh Manson's health important for the Avalanche's playoff chances?
Manson's health is crucial as he is a key defenseman, and his absence could significantly affect the Avalanche's performance in the playoffs.
What impact could Josh Manson's absence have on the Avalanche's Stanley Cup pursuit?
If Josh Manson is unable to play, the Avalanche may struggle defensively, which could hinder their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
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After serving the penalty, he did not return. Manson skated straight to the Avalanche bench, stepped off the ice, and headed down the tunnel to the dressing room, where his night ended early.
That is what makes the larger picture troubling for Colorado. This was the second time in roughly a week and a half that Manson had left a game with an upper-body issue. He also exited the Avalanche’s April 11 matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights after just 11:46 of ice time.
He then missed the final three regular-season games before returning for the opening game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Because NHL injury reporting remains intentionally vague, there is no public way to know whether Thursday’s setback was a new injury or an aggravation of the previous one. If it is related, Colorado has every reason to be concerned.
This is only Round 1. The games get heavier, the space disappears, and the punishment accumulates with every shift.
Manson is not the only Avalanche player trying to push through pain. Nazem Kadri has not looked fully like himself through the first three games of the series after breaking a finger late in the regular season.
The one positive for Colorado is that the calendar finally offered some relief after Game 3. At this stage of the year, an extra recovery day can matter as much as any tactical adjustment.
If the Avalanche eliminate the Kings in Game 4 on Sunday, the reward could extend far beyond advancing. With several first-round series likely to continue, Colorado would gain valuable time to heal, regroup, and prepare for what comes next.
For a team chasing the Stanley Cup, those days can be priceless.
Avalanche depth and physical identity under pressure
If the last two games against Los Angeles proved anything, it is that desperate teams will do whatever they can to stay alive. That includes pushing the line physically and emotionally.
Heavy hits have always been part of playoff hockey, and Manson is one of the few Avalanche players who consistently brings that edge. He can separate a man from the puck, answer after the whistle, and make opponents think twice about taking liberties.
Colorado has quality defensemen, but each brings something different.
Brent Burns can still handle the rugged side of the game when needed, but he is 41. Cale Makar is a generational talent whose value lies in his skating, puck movement, and ability to create offense from impossible angles. Sam Malinski continues to grow into a well-rounded player, but he is not built to play sheriff. Devon Toews remains one of the league’s steadiest defenders with his positioning, stick work, and transition play, yet intimidation has never been the core of his game.
The Avalanche may have to lean on a familiar phrase: Find A Way.
One of the defining traits of this roster is how tightly connected it appears. You can sense it around the team after practices, morning skates, and wins. There is genuine investment in one another, and that matters in this time of year.
When Martin Necas signed his new eight-year contract, the room buzzed with excitement. Gabriel Landeskog could be heard joking about Necas picking up the team dinner. Small moments like that reveal a group that enjoys being together.
If Manson is limited or unavailable, Colorado’s depth will need to carry more weight.
Parker Kelly is a prime example. He is coming off a career year and has become a wrecking ball in open ice. Size does not matter to him. Whether the opponent is much smaller or much bigger, Kelly attacks every battle the same way. If a player gets launched into the boards at full speed, there is a decent chance Kelly delivered the hit.
Jack Drury brings a similar willingness to engage. Brock Nelson, despite his calm demeanor and scoring pedigree, has never shied away from contact when the game demands it.
That collective edge will become even more important in the next round.
Whether Colorado faces the Minnesota Wild or Dallas Stars, the intensity rises from here. The Avalanche will need to be alert, disciplined, and ready for anything extra that comes with playoff hockey.
Nothing is accidental this time of year. Every bump, every late shove, every stick that lingers too long has purpose behind it.
This post-season is two months of gruelling physical and mental battles, and it’s a difficult challenge for teams to survive it. It becomes a war of talent, health, nerve, and depth.
And the Colorado Avalanche will carry a target on their back. If their most physical defenseman is compromised, they will have to dig even deeper than they expected and Find A Way.
