The forward left in the first period of a 6-2 win against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. His five goals this season are tied with forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen for the Avalanche lead. His nine points are tied with defenseman Samuel Girard for fourth.
Compher had been playing center on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon (lower body) on injured reserve. Coach Jared Bednar said Rantanen will move to center to play with Landeskog and Logan O'Connor with MacKinnon and Compher sidelined.
"He played center when he was younger," Bednar said Monday. "Intelligent player, he works at the goal line to help out defensively. He comes up with pucks, he's big and strong down there and smart. If he comes up with pucks down low he's going to have it on his stick more. It's a little bit different workload playing center, going from goal line to goal line, but we think he can handle it."
Forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel was claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. He will play right wing on the third line with Tyson Jost and Alex Newhook.
"He's a right shot, hard working winger, sturdy on the puck, he's got good detail to his game," Bednar said. "He brings the work ethic we expect. I think he can help our team and contribute, not just on the defensive side but also on the offensive side."
Bowen Byram is in concussion protocol. The rookie defenseman was injured on a hit by Vancouver Canucks forward Bo Horvat during a 7-1 win Nov. 11. He practiced the next day but didn't feel well the following day and missed the game against the Sharks.
"He's out until he feels better," Bednar said. "He'll let us know. Ultimately, once you enter that, it's up to the player to be honest in evaluating how he's feeling."
The Avalanche (6-5-1) visit the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.
NHL.com independent correspondent Rick Sadowski contributed to this report
