CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Jonathan Drouin is out for the entire first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets, the Avalanche announced Saturday morning. Drouin was injured in a non-contact play in the second period of Thursday’s regular-season finale and did not return.

“Huge blow. It sucks. Super unfortunate,” star center Nathan MacKinnon said.

Drouin’s absence will hurt. There’s no other way to put it. The chemistry he’s built with MacKinnon and fellow star Mikko Rantanen will be missed. But the Avs have the depth to offset the loss — even against a strong Jets team.

“If I could do more I would,” MacKinnon said. “I’ll try to be my best. A lot of things in hockey are out of our control but we’re gonna try to play our best with or without Dru.”

The team heads to Winnipeg on Saturday afternoon following their only practice between the regular season and the playoffs. Defenseman Devon Toews missed practice but Bednar later confirmed his wife gave birth on Friday and Toews will be on the flight with the team.

The Avs also welcome Samuel Girard back to practice as a full participant. Bednar said the blueliner is progressing well but will not have an update on his status for Game 1 until Sunday.

Without Drouin, forward Zach Parise was elevated to the top line alongside MacKinnon and Rantanen. Forward Joel Kiviranta slotted in on the third line in Parise’s usual spot and center Chris Wagner, along with defenseman Brad Hunt and goalie Arvid Holm were called up from the AHL. The trio of additions did not practice with the team but will join the team on the flight to Winnipeg. Bednar would not comment on whether the practice lines will be what the team goes with for Game 1. Wagner’s call-up provides the Avs with key center depth, which allows either Trenin or Colton — likely the former — to slot in on the wing.

Trenin has played wing for the Avs on several occasions since his acquisition from Nashville.

The Avs are starting a series on the road for the first time since 2019. The team knows they’ll have to be better than they were late in the regular season, but the experienced veterans in the locker room aren’t ready to throw in the towel.

“You play whatever hand you’re dealt the best you can. Our job is to get one, hopefully two.” MacKinnon said. “It is a lot of pressure having home ice. You feel like you need to win two.

“We feel like the underdogs. It’s a fun experience for us. We haven’t been playing our best, we’re coming in very humbled.”

Bednar wouldn’t commit to a Game 1 starter in goal, though it’s expected that Alexandar Georgiev will get the nod. Bednar was asked about his trust in the goaltending, specifically his starter, and praised both Georgiev and backup Justus Annunen’s abilities to win games.