The Colorado Avalanche announced Sunday morning that star centreman Nathan MacKinnon underwent nose surgery this week. As a result, MacKinnon will miss the NHL All-Star game on February 5th.
Nathan MacKinnon will miss the All-Star Game, per Jared Bednar.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) January 30, 2022
MacKinnon to Miss All-Star Game, Undergoes Nose Surgery
The Avalanche’s head coach, Jared Bednar, made the announcement official on Sunday morning in his media availability. The injury occurred on January 26th in Colorado’s game against the Boston Bruins. As MacKinnon was exiting the zone with the puck, Bruins’ forward Taylor Hall came across the ice and hit MacKinnon with an open-ice hit that rocked the superstar the forward.
At first, the hit appeared to be a headshot and Hall was given a five-minute major for the check. Upon further review, however, it was determined that no head contact was made. Instead, Hall had actually clipped MacKinnon’s stick which sprung backwards and did the damage to MacKinnon’s face. Hall received a two-minute minor in place of the major.
Nathan MacKinnon left the game after this open-ice hit from Taylor Hall and has not returned to the Avs bench.
Hall was assessed a two-minute minor. Do you agree?
🎥 @Sportsnetpic.twitter.com/y0AR8nAyeH
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 27, 2022
MacKinnon’s All-Star Season
MacKinnon has certainly deserved his all-star nod this season. Through 31 games played, the 26-year-old has nine goals and 34 assists for 43 points. Two of those nine goals were game-winners and as usual, he is consistently among the team leaders in ice time per game. His play has helped Colorado secure first place in the Central Division, a spot that they should almost certainly hold onto until the end of the season.
This hasn’t been MacKinnon’s best season per se, but it certainly has been all-star worthy.
What This Means Going Forward
MacKinnon will miss the Avalanche’s games on January 30th and February 1st before the all-star break hits. Afterwards, the Avalanche will resume play on February 10th against the Tampa Bay Lightning. That’s likely where he will return, but we will look for the team to confirm that next week.
As for the MacKinnon’s replacement in the All-Star Game, David Pagnotta from the Fourth Period is reporting that Roman Josi will be said player. Josi himself has had an excellent season, averaging 25 minutes of ice-time per game, with 43 points in 43 games played.
Hearing #Preds captain Roman Josi will replace Nate MacKinnon in the All-Star Game.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 30, 2022
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
