Darcy Kuemper injured pregame. Avalanche has emergency backup goalie join the team

TORONTO — The Avalanche has a 22-year-old freshman from the University of Toronto on its bench Wednesday night, serving as the emergency backup goalie against the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.

Jett Alexander is stepping in for Jonas Johansson, who was given the start after Darcy Kuemper apparently suffered an upper-body injury at the time of the morning skate in which he participated.

The Avs recalled Justus Annunen from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, but Alexander will “serve as the backup until Annunen arrives,” the team told The Denver Post.

The spokesperson later said Annunen was at a Toronto airport when the game began and will likely replace Alexander on the bench during the game

Colorado travels to Montreal to play the Canadiens on Thursday in the second leg of a five-game trip. Annunen, 22, could make his NHL debut against Montreal if the Avs choose to not play Johansson in consecutive-night games.