The Canadiens placed right wing Aaron Palushaj on waivers Monday in order to return him to the Hamilton Bulldogs.  The Colorado Avalanche, with a string of injuries,  claimed him before the noon Tuesday deadline.

Colorado  has  right wing Steve Downie and  left wing  Gabriel Landeskog on injury reserve and centre Ryan O’Reilly remains a long term contract holdout  leaving  the team desperately short of depth up front.

If  he passes the team physical, Palushaj will likely be in their lineup Wednesday against Anaheim.

He was drafted in the second round, 44th overall, by the St. Louis Blues in 2007..  The Canadiens acquired him  in return for Matt D’Agostini in March 2010.    He played in 38 games with the Canadiens last season with a goal and four assists.  

Avalanche coach Joe Sacco told the Denver Post’s Adrien Dater, “”He’s a guy that’s put up some good numbers in college and in the American League, but hasn’t had a real good opportunity yet in the (NHL).  With the adversity we’re facing right now with some injuries, he gives us some more depth up front.”

Although Palushaj  played the first 21 games with Hamilton this season during the lockout, when training camp opened he was considered part of the Canadiens roster even though he was recovering from a December shoulder injury.  He was cleared to play by team doctors on Monday and was immediately placed on waivers.

In his 21 games with Hamilton, he scored  seven goals and had 10 points.  At the time of his injury he was the Bulldogs leading goalscorer.