The Avalanche today reassigned defensemen Jonas Holos and Cameron Gaunce and forward Ryan Stoa to its American Hockey League affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters.
The reduction leaves Colorado with a 31-player roster heading into Wednesday’s fourth preseason game, against the Los Angeles Kings at the Pepsi Center.
The Avs are carrying 10 defensemen, including impressive 20-year-old prospects Stefan Elliott and Tyson Barrie. With off-season free-agent signee Jan Hejda (knee) and veteran Ryan Wilson (thumb) out with injuries, Elliott or Barrie could make the Oct. 8 opening-night roster against the Detroit Red Wings.
The Avs will keep seven or eight defensemen.
Kyle Cumiskey, who plays a similar, offensive-minded style as Elliott and Barrie, signed a two-way contract this month but has yet to play in the preseason.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
