Kreider was absent from the Rangers' morning skate and will be a game-time decision on Thursday. If Kreider can't play, look for Vitali Kravtsov to move up to the third line.

Smith has missed the last three games with an undisclosed injury but will be a game-time decision on Wednesday. Smith skated on a line with William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault in Tuesday's practice, so it appears he's on track to play vs. the Avalanche.

Borgen was a healthy scratch on Sunday but will replace Colin Miller in the lineup on Tuesday. Borgen has no points and a minus-3 rating in six games this season.

Jones was a third-round pick of the Rangers in 2019 and signed his entry-level deal after his second year at UMass. The 20-year-old defenseman, who will replace Jacob Trouba and should see some PP2 time, had nine goals and 15 assists (24 points) in 29 games this season.

Borgen has been out for two months after suffering a forearm fracture in late February but is set to play Thursday vs. the Bruins. Borgen, who is pointless in four games this season, will replace Colin Miller on the third pairing.

Smith was not on the ice for the Golden Knights morning skate and head coach Pete DeBoer has ruled him out for a second straight game. With Smith out on Monday, Alex Tuch moved into the top-6 and Mattias Janmark saw additional power-play time.