Superstar defenseman Cale Makar will miss several games after suffering an upper-body injury during the Colorado Avalanche’s victory over Calgary on Monday.
With just nine games remaining in the regular season, Colorado faithful are growing concerned about the injury. Head coach Jared Bednar disclosed information regarding the timeline and when fans can expect to see the two-time Norris Trophy winner back in action.
Avalanche Star Cale Makar Expected To Miss Time Ahead of Playoffs
Despite already clinching a berth in the 2026 playoffs, the Avalanche continue to battle for the Central Division crown, which could prove critical. With the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild sitting just behind Colorado, two of the three powerhouses will have to face off in round one.
Based on the playoff implications in Colorado’s final nine games, Makar’s presence may be needed. That said, the Avalanche will take proper measures to ensure one of the league’s top defensemen is healthy for the commencement of the postseason.
When asked about Makar and when he’ll return, Bednar eased some of the stress on Avalanche fans.
Bednar said Cale Makar will be ready for the playoffs.
“He’s doing okay, he’s gonna miss some time though. Nothing serious.”
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) April 1, 2026
Avalanche beat writer Aarif Deen claims Makar will be good to go for the postseason before detailing the words of Colorado’s head coach.
“He’s doing okay, he’s gonna miss some time though,” said Bednar. “Nothing serious.”
Rinkside NHL reporter Kate Pettersen chimed in, detailing Bednar’s response when asked if Makar would miss the rest of the regular season.
Bednar was asked if Cale Makar would be shut down for the rest of the regular season (with two weeks left) and his answer was no.
— Kate Pettersen (@KatePettersen_) April 1, 2026
“Bednar was asked if Cale Makar would be shut down for the rest of the regular season (with two weeks left), and his answer was no,” said Pettersen.
While the injury appears altogether minor, the 2022 Conn Smythe winner is listed as ‘day-to-day.’
This season, Makar has tallied 20 goals and 55 assists, playing in every contest for the Avs to this point. The one-time Stanley Cup champion’s 75 points are good for third amongst NHL defenseman this season, behind Evan Bouchard (86) and Zach Werenski (78).
Furthermore, the shifty blueliner has registered the sixth most time on ice per game in the NHL this year (24:53). With his undeniable impact and durability, Makar proves to be a key puzzle piece within this juggernaut Colorado squad.
Currently, Colorado sits at 108 points as the Presidents’ Trophy favorites. The award (given to the NHL’s top regular-season finisher) is typically earned by a team achieving a point range of 110-116.
If the Avalanche continue at their current pace, they will finish the season around the 118 mark, making them the highest-scoring NHL team since the 2022-23 Boston Bruins (135).
Can Colorado hold on and win the Central Division and the President’s Trophy amid Makar’s day-to-day diagnosis?
