Avalanche expect Manson to miss eight weeks with ankle injury

Colorado Avalanche defenceman Josh Manson is expected to be out for eight weeks with an ankle injury, coach Jared Bednar said Friday.

Manson was injured during Wednesday’s 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. He fell awkwardly after missing a body check in the first period and did not return to the game.

Noah Juulsen is expected to become a regular in Colorado’s lineup during Manson’s absence. Bednar said having Juulsen with the team every day means he can step in without needing to be brought up to speed.