Avalanche forward reveals the nature of his devastating injury

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Mike Armenti
September 24, 2023 (11:18)

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After winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, the Colorado Avalanche were shockingly eliminated in the first round by the Seattle Kraken in 2023. As disappointing as the loss was for the team, it was even worse for veteran forward Andrew Cogliano, who suffered a devastating injury in Game 6.

Cogliano took a nasty spill into the boards after being hit by Seattle's Jordan Eberle, who received a two minute minor for boarding and no further discipline, despite the nature of the hit.

Thankfully, Cogliano is already back at training camp, albeit in a red non-contract sweater. The veteran spoke with reporters at camp this week, revealing that he suffered two C6 fractures in his neck (C6 noting near the base of the neck). He also outlined what he went through over the summer.

"Really stiff. Headaches. Sleeping just wasn't an option, really. Pretty good pain in the back. Since your neck is so stiff you're getting bad headaches, bad migraines."

While he's been limited by his non-contact jersey at practice, Cogliano revealed that he hasn't felt any real limitations out there so far, which is wonderful to hear.

"I got a red jersey on out there, but sometimes it doesn't feel like it," said Cogliano, adding he's been going "full-out"

The 36-year-old Toronto native suited up in 79 games for the Avalanche last season, scoring 10 goals and 19 points in a depth role for a depleted Avs roster that dealt with considerable injury issues last year. Here's hoping that he'll be back to full health before long.