Avalanche's Rantanen, Toews, Burakovsky return vs. Blue Jackets

The Colorado Avalanche received some much-needed reinforcements Saturday night.

Forwards Mikko Rantanen and Andre Burakovsky returned to the lineup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and defenseman Devon Toews made his season debut.

Rantanen has missed the team's last three contests with a lower-body injury, and Burakovsky missed one game with a lower-body ailment of his own. Toews hasn't played yet following offseason shoulder surgery.

Colorado seemingly has yet to ice a fully healthy lineup this campaign and still won't be at full strength Saturday despite the additions. Star defenseman Cale Makar remains sidelined after missing the team's last game, and Valeri Nichushkin is also out.

The Avalanche have struggled out of the gate to a 4-4-1 record thus far.

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