Avalanche's Cale Makar to miss games with injury, expected back for playoffs

The star defenseman will be sidelined for the time being, but the Avalanche are confident he'll be ready for the postseason.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:21pm

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Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar announced that star defenseman Cale Makar will miss some upcoming games due to an injury, but the team expects him to return in time for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, sustained the injury during the Avalanche's recent 9-2 win over the Calgary Flames.

Why it matters

Makar is a key player for the Avalanche, who have already clinched a playoff spot and currently lead the Central Division. While they can afford to rest Makar for a few games, his absence could impact his chances of winning the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman this season.

The details

Makar suffered the injury during the third period of the Avalanche's blowout victory over the Flames. He had recorded three assists in the game before sitting out the final frame. Bednar stated that the injury is not serious and that the team wants to ensure Makar is fully healthy for the playoffs.

  • Makar sustained the injury during the Avalanche's 9-2 win over the Calgary Flames on April 1, 2026.
  • Makar will miss some upcoming games, but is expected to return in time for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The players

Cale Makar

A 27-year-old 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

“He's doing OK. He's going to miss some time, though. Like nothing serious, like nothing that's putting (the) playoffs in jeopardy or anything like that. … It's like if someone has something going on this time of year, we want to make sure they're right for (the) playoffs and last handful of games of the season.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The Avalanche will monitor Makar's recovery and expect him to return in time for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

While the Avalanche can afford to rest Makar for a few games, his absence could impact his chances of winning the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman this season. However, the team is focused on ensuring he is fully healthy for the playoffs, where he will be a key contributor to their Stanley Cup aspirations.