Compher has continued to skate since getting hurt while blocking a shot on Oct. 19 against the St. Louis Blues, giving him an advantage to keep his conditioning up. The last step for him is being able to stickhandle and shoot with a playing brace on.
He was a full participant in the Avs' practice at the Globe, but him playing versus the Senators is dependent on how he progresses.
"It was good to test it out today, and definitely getting closer," Compher said. "That's the plan, keep taking it day-by-day and seeing when it feels comfortable to play. I think today was a positive. It was good to get out there and get back out with the team."
When Compher does come back, Bednar said the forward is slotted as the team's No. 2 center on a line with Sven Andrighetto and Nail Yakupov, a spot that was previously held by Matt Duchene before Sunday's trade.
"It will be a good opportunity, and I'm excited about it," Compher said about the possibility of leading a top-six line. "First things first is getting healthy and making sure I'm comfortable and whatever the coaches give me or spot they put me in, I'm excited about it. Just like I've done since the start of the year and training camp, try to take advantage of it."
Compher's fellow rookie pivot, Tyson Jost, is more doubtful to play this weekend as he battles back from a lower-body injury. Jost did practice with the club, but he did it in a non-contact jersey.
The injured Avalanche players will get some extra rest to help them recover as Wednesday is a full day off for the team. Then it's back to work with a practice on Thursday before the first game day of the Global Series on Friday.