Players of Cody McLeod’s ilk are essential for teams having success in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and it appears the Avalanche will have McLeod on its side when the postseason begins in less than two weeks.

From his practice-facility office Friday, Colorado coach Patrick Roy said MRI results on McLeod’s left ankle showed no major damage, and the rugged forward is day-to-day with a sprain. Hockey players sometimes have a difficult time recovering from a high-ankle sprain, but Roy said the ligament injury is closer to McLeod’s foot.

“The ligament has been touched but the rest is good,” Roy said. “He will be back ASAP. We don’t think he’ll be back this weekend, but he might be back somewhere in the last four games.”

The Avs have six remaining games. They visit St. Louis on Saturday afternoon and host Pittsburgh on Sunday night before beginning a four-game road trip Tuesday at Edmonton, taking them to Vancouver on Thursday, San Jose next Friday and Anaheim on April 13.

Roy said skilled forward P.A. Parenteau could return to the lineup at San Jose, but probably the season finale in Anaheim. Parenteau, out with a sprained knee, skated on his own Friday.

“He’s doing very good,” Roy said.

If McLeod doesn’t play Saturday at St. Louis, Roy said defenseman Ryan Wilson will play left wing on the fourth line. Without McLeod, the Avs have just 11 available forwards.

Roy also said rookie Nathan MacKinnon will switch back to center between Ryan O’Reilly and Jamie McGinn to begin Saturday’s game. MacKinnon had been playing right wing on the Paul Stastny-centered line.

The Avs will continue to play with their scoring lines while Parenteau and star center Matt Duchene (knee) work toward getting healthy.

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