The Colorado Avalanche continued to inch closer to their regular season roster on Friday, reassigning five players to the San Antonio Rampage.

In perhaps the only somewhat surprising cut of the preseason thus far, forward Rocco Grimaldi was reassigned to the AHL. Grimaldi, who was acquired this summer from the Florida Panthers in exchange for goaltender Reto Berra, was competing for a spot on the fourth line. He is on a two-way contract. His exodus likely increases the odds of J.T. Compher, Rene Bourque and/or Gabriel Bourque making the team.

Also sent to the Rampage were defensemen Cody Corbett and Sergei Boikov, both of whom impressed during the Rookie Showcase.  Joining them will be Cole Sanford, who was the last person attending camp on an AHL contract.

Finally, center Julien Nantel will head to San Antonio, to continue his rehab. He is currently nursing a foot injury.

With the transactions, the Avalanche roster now stands at 39 players. You can view those remaining here.