The Colorado Avalanche's defense corps will look different Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils.
The club announced Wednesday that it's recalled Nikita Zadorov and Chris Bigras from the AHL's San Antonio Rampage. Going the other way is Brandon Gormley, who cleared waivers, while Nate Guenin was placed on waivers.
Erik Johnson, second on the team in ice time per game, was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, according to the team's website. The move is retroactive to Jan. 4, and allows for the two young blue-liners to join the team.
Zadorov and Bigras represent the future for the Avalanche on defense. Zadorov was acquired in the trade that sent Ryan O'Reilly to the Buffalo Sabres, and the 20-year-old played 11 games for Colorado earlier this season, registering two assists. He has eight goals and 10 assists in 28 games on the farm.
Bigras was drafted 32nd overall in 2013 by the Avalanche, and will make his NHL debut should he draw into Patrick Roy's lineup Thursday. Also 20, Bigras has six goals and 13 assists in 37 games with the Rampage.
The Avalanche are alive in the Western Conference's wild-card race. Colorado's tied with the Nashville Predators - who hold the coveted second wild-card spot - with 45 points, but Nashville's played one fewer game.
Gormley had an assist in 26 games, while Guenin was pointless in 29 games.
