Avalanche's Barrie to return after month-long absence

The Colorado Avalanche will get a significant boost to their blue line Tuesday.

Defenseman Tyson Barrie will return to the lineup when the Avalanche take on the Vancouver Canucks, the team announced. Barrie has been sidelined since Dec. 23 when he suffered a fractured hand while blocking a shot against the Arizona Coyotes.

Despite missing the last 13 games, Barrie remains the club's most productive blue-liner, having put up 27 points in 34 games.