Graves being dealt is a product of the Seattle Expansion Draft and New Jersey lands a solid top-4 defenseman that should fit in well with their emerging young blueline. Graves, who has two years left at $3.17M AAV, had two goals and 13 assists (15 points) in 54 games with the Avalanche in 2021.
Graves missed Saturday's game vs. the Sharks but will return tonight in San Jose. Graves will most likely replace Kyle Burroughs in the lineup.
The Avalanche did not provide an update on Graves' condition postgame, so it's unclear whether or not he will be available for Saturday's rematch. If not, look for Jacob MacDonald to draw back into the lineup and for Patrik Nemeth to move up and skate with Cale Makar.
Graves was a surprising scratch in Anaheim on Sunday but will replace Greg Pateryn in the lineup on Tuesday. Graves enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2020 but hasn't been the same player without playing next to Cale Makar to start 2021.
Graves was a healthy scratch on Wednesday but will replace Mark Barberio on Friday night. Graves has one goal, one assist and a plus-5 rating in 11 games this season.
Graves, 21, has scored twice in eight games with the Avalanche this season and has collected eight points (2G / 6A) in 29 AHL contests. Graves will replace Mark Barberio in the lineup vs. Minnesota.
Graves was a fourth-round pick of the Rangers in 2013 and will make his NHL debut tonight after playing 254 career AHL games. Graves, who has eight points (2G / 6A) in 26 games this season, will replace Anton Lindholm on the Avalanche blueline.
