When Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves entered training camp in Septemberhe was trying to find a chance to prove himself into a new company. He was acquired by the Avs in February in a one-for-one arrangement that sent Chris Bigras into the New York Rangers however didn’t even get a Opportunity to create an impact.

This season he wished to show Colorado he was really worth buying, and also the positive impression Graves produced in the preseason made him a recall opportunity when blueliner Nikita Zadorov went down with a lower-body injury.

Even the 6-foot-5, 226-pound native of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, made his NHL debut on Dec. 27 at the Vegas Golden Knights and was reliable in spot duty.

“Pleasant surprise, to be truthful with you,” mind trainer Jared Bednar stated of Graves after Friday’s morning skate at Pepsi Center. “Simple sport but effective game. ”

Graves will skate in his fifth game Friday night after Avalanche hosts the Rangers.

“I’m eager for the game, however I’t been eager for the previous four games,” he said. “I know a few guys around, so in that sense it’so particular, however I’m just thinking about looking for a constant player and do everything I could for the Avs. ”

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“I’m really thankful for the chance. ”

Graves sees the conclusion of Colorado’s six-game losing streak on the horizon.

“It’s just a matter of time until things turn around,” he said. “I think at the end of the year we’ll be thankful we went through this at the stage of this calendar year instead of doing it in April or at the end of the season. It builds character. ”

Notes. Bednar is going with Philipp Grubauer in web and Pavel Francouz since the backup. Semyon Varlamov is still day-to-day with a lower-body harm. Sven Andrighetto will substitute Gabriel Bourque in this lineup.

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