Avalanche rookie Wojtek Wolski scored his first NHL goal Monday night, in his third game. Within his next seven games, however, the team faces a tough choice with the 19-year-old winger.
According to NHL bylaws, because of his age the Avs will have to decide after his 10th game whether to keep him for the full season or send him back to junior. If they choose the latter, the Avs will not be able to recall Wolski at any point. Wolski cannot be sent to a minor pro team and called back up.
“Every once in a while, it pops in the back of my mind,” Wolski said. “But I just have to work hard and hopefully I stay.”
The Avs will face a roster decision by the end of the month regardless, as right wing Milan Hejduk is expected back from knee surgery.
Wolski got the Avs off to a 1-0 lead at 4:02 of the first period, when he put home a shot off the rush off a crossing pass from Marek Svatos.
“It’s a big thrill. It was a great play by Marek,” Wolski said.
Footnotes
Defenseman Bob Boughner was the Avalanche’s lone healthy scratch. … Left wing Brad May (groin) missed his third straight game. … The Flames (1-3) held a team meeting before their morning skate. Flames coach Darryl Sutter has been unhappy with his team’s intensity. … Former New York Islanders star Bob Nystrom was at the game to watch his son Eric’s first NHL game. He was called up Monday by the Flames. … Even though Calgary has been a poor team prior to 2003-04, the Avs came into the game only with an 18-18-11 record against them since 1995. … New Avalanche video coach, Bryan Vines, is a former University of Denver captain.
