Cale Makar will miss a few games after exiting Monday’s win over the Calgary Flames with an upper-body injury, though the Colorado Avalanche do not believe the issue is serious.
DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche are expected to be without star defenseman Cale Makar for the next few games after he exited Monday’s win over the Calgary Flames with an upper-body injury.
Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Wednesday that Makar will miss some time, though the team does not believe the injury is serious.
Makar did not return for the third period against Calgary, and his absence will begin Wednesday night when Colorado faces the Vancouver Canucks.
Speaking during his weekly appearance on Altitude Sports Radio, Bednar emphasized the team’s cautious approach this time of year.
“He’s going to miss some time here. Nothing serious, though,” Bednar said.
During the second period, Makar absorbed a hit along the boards from 6-foot-8 Flames forward Adam Klapka. It was a clean hit—no penalty was called—and Makar briefly remained in the game afterward, logging two additional shifts, including a power-play stint where he recorded his third assist of the night.
These upcoming games will mark the first time he has missed action during the 2025–26 campaign.
Through 73 games, the elite blueliner has recorded 20 goals and 75 points while averaging nearly 25 minutes per night—numbers that have once again placed him firmly in the Norris Trophy conversation. However, it appears unlikely he’ll add a third award to his trophy case this season. That’s fine, though, as Colorado’s focus remains squarely on long-term health ahead of a deep playoff push.
Next Man Up
In Makar’s absence, recently acquired defenseman Nick Blankenburg is expected to step into the lineup. Blankenburg has appeared in just three games with Colorado since being acquired prior to the trade deadline, making this an immediate opportunity to take on a larger role.
Playoff Picture in Focus
Despite the setback, Colorado remains in full control of the Central Division race. As of Wednesday morning, the Avalanche’s magic number to clinch the division title sits at six points. Any combination of six points gained by Colorado or lost by the Dallas Stars would secure the top seed.
With a pivotal showdown against Dallas looming on Saturday, the Avalanche could realistically lock up the division by the end of the weekend—potentially allowing them to prioritize rest and recovery for key players like Makar down the stretch.
The Avalanche take on the last place Vancouver Canucks tonight at Ball Arena. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. local time.
