It's been a tough go for the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. Injuries have become the main theme of their season. This continued struggle shows just how taxing winning a Stanley Cup can be on your body.

According to reports forward Darren Helm could be potentially done for the season. Head coach Jared Bednar told reporters that the injury is related to the one that kept him out for the start of the season and that he's going to miss some time.


Helm signed with the Avalanche last season and did well in a depth role. In 68 games he scored 7 goals and 15 points. He played all 20 games on the team's Stanley Cup run. The team rewarded him with another one year deal with a $1,250,000 AAV but hip troubles have limited Helm to just five games this season.


Colorado currently trails the Edmonton Oilers for the final Wild Card position by six points. They have a record of 21-17-3 this season.

The club is currently has wingers Valeri Nichushkin, Gabriel Landeskog, and Denis Malgin plus defensemen Bowen Byram and Josh Manson out with injury in addition to Helm. None appear close to a returning.

The injury bug has really derailed the Avs hopes of becoming repeat Stanley Cup champions.