Avalanche's Cale Makar Out a Few Games with Upper-Body Injury

The star defenseman is expected to miss some time but the team is not overly concerned about the injury.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:21pm

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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, will miss a few games due to an upper-body injury suffered in a recent win over the Calgary Flames. Coach Jared Bednar said Makar is 'going to be OK' and that the team is shutting him down to rest for a few games as a precaution, with nothing serious about the injury.

Why it matters

Makar is a key player for the Avalanche, currently third among NHL defensemen in scoring this season with 75 points. His absence, even if short-term, could impact the team's push to clinch the league's best record down the stretch.

The details

Makar was injured in the second period of the Avalanche's 9-2 win over the Calgary Flames when he was hit along the boards. He finished the game with three assists but did not play in the third period. Coach Bednar said the team is taking a cautious approach by resting Makar for a few games to allow the upper-body injury to heal.

  • Makar was injured in the second period of the Avalanche's 9-2 win over the Calgary Flames on April 1, 2026.
  • The Avalanche host the Vancouver Canucks in their next game as they try to clinch the league's best record.

The players

Cale Makar

A star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche and a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman.

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche.

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What they’re saying

“The best thing to do is shut him down and rest him here for a few games. There's nothing that we're overly concerned about.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The Avalanche will monitor Makar's recovery and determine when he can return to the lineup, with the goal of having him healthy for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Makar's injury, while not considered serious, is a setback for the Avalanche as they push to clinch the NHL's best record. The team is taking a cautious approach by resting their star defenseman, prioritizing his long-term health over short-term gains.