Another positive that can come out of injuries is the opportunities that are available to players on special teams, and Kamenev is one of those who will be tasked with filling the void in those areas.
Kamenev has mostly practiced with the penalty-kill group this year, but Bednar noted that the forward's skillset works well on the power play, especially with three of the Avs' regulars on those units presently out of the lineup.
"There is one area of Kamenev's game that I liked last year quite a bit, sort of a strength of his game in the past, and that has been his ability to play the power play," Bednar said on Tuesday. "He's been working on the penalty kill, I've talked to him about what I liked about his practice habits this year, especially once we got into the regular season."
Through all the injuries, rehab, training and then waiting, Kamenev has tried to stay physically and mentally ready for when his name would be called upon to help the Avalanche.
Now's his chance.
"It's been hard for me, for sure," Kamenev said. "I haven't played since (preseason games in) training camp, and the regular season, it's been 10 months since my last game. I was practicing working hard and finally get my chance to play."