On July 8, 2011, Desjardins signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche. After starting the 2011–12 season injured from off-season shoulder surgery, Desjardins was assigned to affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters, upon recovery. Throughout the season Desjardins was plagued by injury, however in 32 games with the Monsters, Desjardins set Monsters season records in save percentage and goals against average, while also selected as Lake Erie's lone All-Star representative in the 2012 AHL All-Star game. On February 16, Desjardins was briefly recalled by Colorado to serve as the backup goalie in place of the injured Jean-Sébastien Giguère, however never played with the Avalanche.