{"id":520925,"date":"2026-03-24T22:16:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T22:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/520925\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T22:16:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T22:16:34","slug":"logan-oconnor-has-a-message-as-he-makes-return-to-avalanche-denver-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/520925\/","title":{"rendered":"Logan O’Connor has a message as he makes return to Avalanche \u2013 Denver Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"

Colorado Avalanche winger Logan O\u2019Connor is back.<\/p>\n

He\u2019ll play his first NHL game since May 3, 2025 on Tuesday night against the Penguins.<\/p>\n

O\u2019Connor underwent hip surgery in June<\/a> with an initial timeline to return of 5-6 months. But even with some setbacks along the way, O\u2019Connor is now ready to make his season debut.<\/p>\n

He has a message that the Avalanche released and it\u2019s a good look at his mindset through this journey.<\/p>\n

The Mayor returns tonight. pic.twitter.com\/Bw1C3NTOSw<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 x \u2013 Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Clearly, this has been a tough stretch for O\u2019Connor.<\/p>\n

Having surgery is usually a major deal, especially when it\u2019s going to sideline that player for nearly half a calendar year. This went on even longer, extending almost 11 months.<\/p>\n

But he has the right attitude, knowing that as a little kid he\u2019d be thrilled to return to an Avalanche team that has a legitimate shot at winning a Stanley Cup this season.<\/p>\n

O\u2019Connor, who\u2019s great on the penalty kill and projects to skate on Colorado\u2019s fourth-line, has registered at least 20 points each of the last four seasons. He scored 13 goals in the 2023-24 campaign and 10 goals last year.<\/p>\n

The former DU product inked a six-year contract extension that runs through 2031<\/a>, making $2.5 million per year. He\u2019s part of the Avalanche\u2019s plans moving forward \u2014 so this is a big day.<\/p>\n

When it\u2019s taken this long to get back there have been some frustrating moments along the way, but O\u2019Connor can help the Avalanche chase a championship this year.<\/p>\n

Also returning to the lineup will be Ross Colton<\/a> while captain Gabriel Landeskog came back on Sunday<\/a> and scored a goal.<\/p>\n

Colorado is getting healthier at the right time with the postseason set to start in a little more than three weeks.<\/p>\n

Follow @PetersenWill<\/a><\/p>\n

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