Veteran Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote will return to the lineup Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. Forward Marek Svatos, however, will miss the game with a stiff back.
Foote, out since Nov. 22 with neck and knee injuries, pronounced himself “ready to go” after Thursday’s practice.
Foote’s return creates a tough decision for coach Tony Granato regarding which defenseman will sit against Chicago. An alternative for Granato to play more than six defensemen is to have one of them play at forward, but that is unlikely.
Most likely, Daniel Tjarnqvist will return to being a healthy scratch, but the big Swede played well in Foote’s absence.
Svatos, injured in Tuesday’s game with Los Angeles, is considered day-to-day. He took treatment Thursday, but did not skate. He will accompany the Avs on their four-game road trip beginning Monday, as will left wing Darcy Tucker (knee).
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
