Semyon Varlamov Injury: Updates on Avalanche Star's Groin and Return

It appears that Semyon Varlamov's groin injury is worse than the Colorado Avalanche initially believed.

The team announced Thursday that the veteran goaltender was headed to the injured reserve list:

According to Mike Chambers of The Denver Post, Varlamov suffered what was termed as a mild groin injury. Chambers reported earlier in the day that Varlamov skated during morning practice but was forced to leave the ice shortly thereafter. Colorado head coach Patrick Roy called it a "game-time decision" as to what he'd do at goaltender.

That the team would place the 26-year-old on IR is a strong indicator that the problem is more serious than first thought. With Varlamov out, the Avalanche will start Reto Berra when they play the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.

Varlamov had a banner year in 2013-14. He was named to the NHL Second All-Star Team and finished the season fourth in the Hart Trophy voting and second in the Vezina Trophy voting.   

Losing him this early into the 2014-15 season is a major blow to the Avs, who signed Varlamov to a five-year, $29.5 million extension in January.