Compher Returns To Full Practice

CENTENNIAL, Colo.--J.T. Compher traded in his red, no-touch sweater for a regular practice jersey on Tuesday, as the Colorado Avalanche rookie forward took part in his first full team practice since getting hurt nearly three weeks ago.
"Overall, we're just going day-by-day, and it was nice to get a contact practice in today," Compher said following the session.

Compher has missed Colorado's last six games with an upper-body injury after getting hurt on Dec. 29 versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, a contest that he stayed in and eventually scored the overtime-winning goal.
The victory over the Leafs was the first of the Avalanche's current seven-game winning streak, the club's longest since it won eight straight from Dec. 31, 2005 to Jan. 17, 2006.
"It's not fun any time when you're sitting out, but watching the boys win, it gets you a little more excited to get back. Even though I already was," Compher said. "Hopefully things go well the next few days, and I'll be back soon."
A final determination on if Compher will play on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks hasn't been determined, but it appears as if he is heading in that direction.
Compher practiced on a line with Colin Wilson and Gabriel Bourque during 5-on-5 drills, a spot that fellow rookie Tyson Jost had been playing at recently. Jost and goaltender Jonathan Bernier didn't skate on Tuesday.

During the Avs' current win streak, the club has been without several of its key players. Along with Compher, forward Sven Andrighetto (lower body), defenseman Tyson Barrie (hand) and goaltender Semyon Varlamov (lower body) have also missed games.
"It makes it a little easier for you when you're out and the team is winning. If a team goes on a slide, you feel like you have to pressure and get back and help as much as possible," Compher said of watching Colorado's recent success. "But the guys have been playing unbelievable, all across the board. Bernie has been outstanding for us. A lot of guys have been stepping up. It has made it easier for us guys to take a deep breath and know that guys can step up and make plays even if we have players out."
Andrighetto and Barrie skated once again and continue their rehab from their ailments. Barrie took part in a portion of the Avs' practice in a non-contact jersey, while Andrighetto did some individual drills on Family Sports Center's other ice sheet.
Andrighetto has missed the last five contests with a lower-body injury, while Barrie has been out for the past eight games after fracturing his hand while blocking a shot on Dec. 23. He was expected miss four-to-six weeks after having a procedure done and could return after the Jan. 26-28 NHL All-Star Break.
Varlamov didn't take part in practice. He's been out since leaving midway through the Jan. 2 game versus the Winnipeg Jets.
His backup, Bernier, has filled in quite nicely and is coming off a 33-save performance on Monday versus the Anaheim Ducks. Bernier is expected to play in his seventh straight outing when the Avalanche continues its homestand versus the Sharks and will look to extend his personal career-high win streak, which is presently at six games.
The Avs made one addition to their roster on Tuesday afternoon, recalling Dominic Toninato from the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League. He has one assist in eight NHL games this season and 12 points (seven goals and five assists) in 30 contests with the Rampage.