Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson took a shot off the foot in Wednesday’s practice, required help getting off the ice and did not return. Coach Patrick Roy said Johnson left the building to be evaluated by the team doctor.

Johnson is averaging 20:55 of ice time for the 8-1 Avs and enjoying what has been his best stint with the club.

“We’ll know more, obviously, this afternoon but I would be very surprised if it’s something major,” Roy said of Johnson’s injury.

Meanwhile, the Avs returned to the ice after improving to 5-0 on the road following victories at Buffalo and Pittsburgh. They had Tuesday off after beating the potent Penguins 1-0 on Monday. All 23 players practiced in a high-tempo atmosphere. They will again practice Thursday and prepare for a two-game homestand that begins Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Colorado plays its third Central Division contest Sunday against the Winnipeg Jets at the Pepsi Center.

The Avs’ power-play units remain the same, with Andre Benoit and Alex Tanguay playing the points on one group, with regular linemates Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly and Steve Downie down low. Johnson and P.A. Parenteau are co-quarterbacking the other unit, with Paul Stastny, Gabe Landeskog and rookie Nathan MacKinnon.

Mike Chambers: mchambers@denverpost.com or twitter.com/mikechambers