The Colorado Avalanche could be without one of their key pieces for a while. News emerged on Wednesday afternoon that Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar will be out for a few games due to an upper-body injury. Colorado head coach Jared Bednar made the announcement to the media.
Cale Makar will miss some games, but he's expected back before the end of the regular season. www.denvergazette.com/2026/04/01/a…
— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal.bsky.social) 2026-04-01T16:43:02.649Z
Cale Makar Out for a Few Games for the Colorado Avalanche
Makar was injured in the Monday Night Hockey on Prime matchup against the Calgary Flames. The 27-year-old absorbed a hit from Flames forward Adam Klapka in the second period. Colorado’s training staff had to take a look at Makar after the hit. The Calgary native finished the second period but did not return to the game.
Makar has only played for the Avalanche across his seven-year NHL career. He is currently third among defencemen this season with 75 points. The two-time Norris Trophy winner has 20 goals, which is three straight 20-goal seasons. Only Phil Housley and Al MacInnis have done this feat in the late three decades.
Makar has 136 goals and 367 assists for 503 points in 468 career games with the Avs. Colorado originally drafted him in the first round, fourth overall of the 2017 NHL Draft.
The blueliner had a standout career at the University of Massachusetts, where he won the Hobey Baker Award. He also was the Conn Snythe winner in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
What It Means
Losing a playmaker like Makar hurts to Avs push to end the regular season. However, the news could have been much worse. Makar should be ready for the playoffs when they start.
Colorado will have to adjust its pairings for its game against the Vancouver Canucks. Bednar will likely put Nick Blankenburg into the lineup to pair with Brent Burns.
The Avalanche currently have an eight-point lead in the Central Division. Colorado is leading the NHL with 108 points and in line to secure the President’s Trophy.
Main photo by: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
