Cogliano out for playoffs with fractured neck after Eberle hit
Colorado Avalanche veteran Andrew Cogliano is out for the rest of the postseason, head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Sunday, according to the Denver Gazette's Kyle Fredrickson.
Cogliano sustained a fractured neck after being boarded by Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle in Game 6 on Friday. Bednar added Cogliano will have a follow-up MRI on Sunday.
Andrew Cogliano went straight down the tunnel into the locker room after being boarded by Jordan Eberle#GoAvsGo | #seaKraken pic.twitter.com/YUw4bavNQU
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) April 29, 2023
Eberle received a two-minute minor and escaped supplemental discipline for the hit, while Cogliano returned for the third period of Colorado's victory.
Bednar wasn't a fan of the hit or the lack of a suspension.
#Avs HC Jared Bednar:
— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) April 30, 2023
“I don’t like the hit. I don’t like the hit. From 5 years old you’re wearing stop signs on your back on every jersey.
I mean it’s numbers the whole way, and he doesn’t really ease off him” pic.twitter.com/bgAgiptRd5
Cogliano appeared in 79 games for the Avalanche this season, registering 19 points while averaging 12:37 per contest. He was acquired by Colorado at the 2022 trade deadline and helped the club win the Stanley Cup last spring before signing a one-year extension in the offseason.
The 35-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Game 7 between the Avalanche and Kraken is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.