The status of Cale Makar for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals is up in the air after the Colorado Avalanche’s star defenseman missed practice Tuesday for the third time since the end of the previous round.
The Avalanche haven’t disclosed a particular injury for Makar, who has not missed a game yet this postseason. However, Colorado coach Jared Bednar was less than definitive when asked if Makar missing Game 1 on Wednesday in Denver against the Vegas Golden Knights was a concern.
“No,” Bednar said. “Not yet.”
The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings to begin the playoffs, then dispatched the Minnesota Wild in five games. Makar appeared in all nine games and ranks second on the team in the postseason with four goals to go with one assist while averaging almost 25 minutes of ice time.
However, Makar departed Games 1 and 5 of the Minnesota series following big collisions, only to return both times.
“If he can’t go, it is what it is,” veteran Colorado defenseman Josh Manson said. “That’s a huge piece. You don’t replace a guy like that. We need guys to step and fill roles and you just do what you can. We’ve done it in the past with other guys out.”
Makar, 27, won the Norris Trophy given to the league’s best defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25, and he is nominated again this season. He has 507 points (136 goals, 371 assists) in 470 career games over seven seasons with the Avalanche. He tallied 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games during the 2025-26 regular season.
Colorado forward Artturi Lehkonen and defenseman Sam Malinski missed the final two games against the Wild but practiced in full on Tuesday.
–Field Level Media
