The Colorado Avalanche will open the Western Conference Final without their superstar defenseman Cale Makar, head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Wednesday.
Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist and one of the NHL’s premier blue-liners, is officially listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury (believed to be a shoulder/arm issue) sustained during the second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. He skated briefly on his own early Wednesday morning ahead of the team’s scheduled 9:30 a.m. MT skate but will not play in Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena.
Bednar had downplayed immediate concern after Makar missed Tuesday’s practice — the only Avalanche player absent — but also hinted that the team expects him to return soon. They are taking things cautiously given that Makar won’t be at 100% for the series opener.
Jack Ahcan will draw into the lineup in Makar’s place. The rest of the Avalanche roster is healthy, including forward Artturi Lehkonen.
Makar has been playing through the injury, briefly leaving Game 5 against Minnesota after a collision but returning to help the Avs advance in overtime. His absence significantly alters Colorado’s approach. As one analyst noted, “If you don’t have Cale Makar at 100%, it completely changes how Colorado attacks… If he’s healthy, I don’t see a six or seven-game series.”
The 26-year-old Makar is a dynamic offensive threat from the back end, an elite skater, and a key piece of the Avalanche’s transition game and power play. His potential absence forces increased minutes on veterans like Devon Toews, Brent Burns, and others, while testing the depth of Colorado’s blue line.
The top-seeded Avalanche, fresh off a Presidents’ Trophy-caliber season, will lean on their depth and home-ice advantage as they pursue a Stanley Cup rematch path. Game 1 is set for Wednesday night against the Golden Knights.
Makar’s status for Game 2 remains uncertain.
Next: Controversial Candidate Surfaces Amid Oilers’ Head Coach Search
Discover more from NHL Trade Talk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
