The Colorado Avalanche are preparing to navigate a stretch without star defenseman Cale Makar, who sustained an upper-body injury. While the team is downplaying the severity, the timing of the injury – with the Avalanche poised to secure the Presidents’ Trophy and heading into the playoffs – suggests a cautious approach to his recovery. The latest updates indicate Makar will likely miss multiple games, a development that has implications not only for Colorado’s immediate lineup but also for the race for the Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s best defenseman.
Head coach Jared Bednar addressed the situation Wednesday, telling Altitude Sports that Makar is expected to “miss some time here,” but emphasized the injury is “nothing serious.” Bednar stressed the organization’s priority is ensuring Makar is fully healthy for the postseason. This suggests the Avalanche are willing to prioritize long-term readiness over short-term gains, a luxury afforded by their dominant regular-season performance. The team currently holds a comfortable lead in the standings, making a full-speed recovery for Makar the primary focus.
The injury first came to light on Sunday, March 31st, with reports from ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. Kaplan reported the injury wasn’t believed to be long-term, but the team was still evaluating a recovery timeline. LeBrun added that Makar would “likely miss a few games in order to get him to 100 percent before the playoffs.” This aligns with Bednar’s later comments, reinforcing a strategy of preventative rest.
Impact on the Avalanche Lineup
Makar’s absence creates a significant void in the Avalanche’s defensive structure. The 27-year-vintage is widely considered one of the best defensemen in the world, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, and the recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2022. This season, he has 75 points in 73 games, maintaining a point-per-game pace for the fifth consecutive year, despite a somewhat inconsistent Avalanche power play. He averages nearly 25 minutes of ice time per game, including substantial minutes on both the power play (4:10) and penalty kill (1:58), according to Hockey Reference.
Replacing those minutes will be a challenge for the Avalanche. It’s anticipated that Devon Toews will assume a larger role in Makar’s absence, potentially seeing an increase in ice time and responsibility. Veteran defenseman Brent Burns, acquired in the offseason, could also see an opportunity to contribute on the top power play unit, providing a different offensive dimension. Burns has a proven track record of power-play success throughout his career, and his experience could be valuable during Makar’s recovery.
Cale Makar will likely miss a few games in order to get him to 100 percent before the playoffs, per sources. pic.twitter.com/wJq9q9q9q9
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 31, 2026
Norris Trophy Implications
Makar’s injury has added an unexpected twist to the Norris Trophy race. Earlier this month, an anonymous poll of Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) voters, conducted by ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, revealed a tie between Makar and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. The ESPN report detailed the close competition between the two players.
Werenski, who finished second in Norris Trophy voting last year, has had a standout season for the Blue Jackets. With Makar sidelined for at least a few games, Werenski has an opportunity to widen the gap in scoring and potentially sway voters in his favor. The injury could prove to be a pivotal moment in the race, especially considering the relatively small margin separating the two players in the recent PHWA poll. The final weeks of the regular season will be crucial for both players as they vie for the prestigious award.
The Norris Trophy isn’t solely based on statistics, but point totals are a significant factor. Makar’s absence will undoubtedly impact his ability to surpass Werenski in scoring, potentially handing the Blue Jackets defenseman a crucial advantage. However, it’s important to note that We find still a little over two weeks remaining in the regular season, leaving room for Makar to potentially close the gap upon his return.
Avalanche’s Playoff Preparation
Despite the setback, the Avalanche remain heavily favored to win the Stanley Cup. Their strong regular-season performance has positioned them well for a deep playoff run. The team’s depth and overall talent should allow them to weather the storm during Makar’s absence, but his presence is undeniably vital to their success.
The Avalanche’s focus now shifts to ensuring Makar’s complete recovery before the playoffs begin. The team will likely take a conservative approach, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate results. This strategy reflects their confidence in their ability to compete even without their star defenseman for a short period. The Avalanche will continue to monitor Makar’s progress closely, and updates on his condition will be provided as they become available.
Fans can find the latest official updates on Cale Makar’s status through the Colorado Avalanche’s official website and social media channels. The team is expected to provide further details on his recovery timeline in the coming days.
The next confirmed update on Makar’s condition is expected following the Avalanche’s next practice session, scheduled for Friday, April 4th. The team will likely provide a more detailed assessment of his progress and a potential timeline for his return.
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