Canada’s star defenseman is dealing with a lower-body injury that could keep him off the ice when the Colorado Avalanche open training camp Thursday.
Canada’s newest $20 million hockey superstar is dealing with a lower-body injury, giving the Colorado Avalanche an unexpected concern just as training camp gets underway.
Cale Makar, one of the most accomplished Canadian defensemen of his generation, is being carefully managed by Colorado after experiencing a lower-body issue over the past several weeks.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed the injury Wednesday morning at Ball Arena, saying Makar is unlikely to take part when Colorado officially opens training camp Thursday.
According to Avalanche beat reporter Jesse Montano, the club is “playing it safe” with its franchise defenseman.
The 27-year-old Canadian recently became the centerpiece of one of the richest contracts in NHL history, agreeing to an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with Colorado. The deal carries a league-record $20.4 million average annual value, although it does not begin until the 2027-28 season. Makar will earn $9 million against the salary cap this season under his current contract.
There is, however, little indication at this stage that the injury should be viewed as a major concern.
Bednar said the Avalanche expect Makar to return to the group soon, while the fact that he has continued skating provides another encouraging sign. With the regular season still several weeks away, Colorado has little incentive to push its most important defenseman before he is ready.
There had been some subtle indications during the offseason that Makar was not following his usual routine.
Hockey Mountain High’s Brennan Vogt previously observed Makar working with a skills coach rather than skating alongside the rest of the Avalanche during some of the team’s optional sessions. While that alone did not establish that Makar was dealing with an injury, it suggested his offseason preparation was somewhat different than usual.
The Hockey News also reviewed footage from those sessions and noted that Makar did not appear to have his customary explosiveness on the ice — something that takes on greater significance now that Colorado has confirmed he has been managing a lower-body issue.
Still, there is a major difference between missing the beginning of training camp and being at risk of missing NHL games.
Makar has continued skating, giving the Avalanche time to manage the injury and gradually bring him back into full team activities. Colorado also has four preseason games scheduled before opening the regular season, providing the Canadian star with plenty of opportunity to regain his form without being rushed.
That timeline could change if Makar remains sidelined as preseason opportunities begin to run out. For now, though, the Avalanche appear determined to take the cautious route with one of the most important players in Canadian hockey.
Makar enters the season as the reigning Norris Trophy winner and already owns a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Calder Trophy and multiple Norris Trophies.
For an international audience, his importance extends well beyond Colorado.
The Calgary, Alberta, native has established himself as one of the NHL’s premier defensemen and one of Canada’s biggest hockey stars. With a historic contract waiting for him next season, every update surrounding his health will naturally draw attention.
For now, the message from Colorado is simple: Makar is dealing with an injury, but the Avalanche are being cautious rather than panicked.
And with the regular season still weeks away, there is time for Canada’s superstar defenseman to get back to full strength.
