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Avalanche Coach Shares Update on Cale Makar's Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 5:11 PM ET

The Colorado Avalanche received a measured update on Cale Makar after the star defenseman exited Monday’s game with an upper-body injury.

Makar left in the second period following a hit from Adam Klapka and did not return for the third. Despite the early exit, he had already made an impact with three assists, including two on the power play.

Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Makar’s injury is not serious, but the team will keep him out for a short period. Speaking to Altitude Sports Radio, Bednar stressed that the priority is long-term health as the playoffs approach.

"He's going to be okay," Bednar said. "He's going to miss some time here. Nothing serious though, just kind of getting to that time of the year where you just need your guys to be healthy, you know, come playoffs, last few games of the season, so they're feeling good about their game.

"But it's also the time of the year where you're just trying your very best not to play guys through injuries, so you don't have anything lingering."

Cale Makar did not return to the game after taking this hit from Adam Klapka in the second period. pic.twitter.com/jbabyg4PWi
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 31, 2026

So, clearly, the team wants Makar to recover fully rather than risk playing through discomfort. With this decision, the team is playing it safe as they have already secured the playoff spot.

"He got dinged upper body last game and the best thing to do is shut him down and rest him here for a few games," Bednar said. "but it's nothing that we're overly concerned about."

Reports suggest Makar will miss a few games, including upcoming matchups against Vancouver, Dallas, and St. Louis.

The timing aligns with Colorado’s strong position in the standings. The Avalanche lead the Central Division with a 49-14-10 record and remain among the league’s top contenders. With the postseason near, the team appears focused on long-term readiness over short-term results.

Even without Makar for a short stretch, Colorado showed its depth in a dominant 9-2 win over the Calgary Flames. Multiple players contributed in a high-scoring performance, underlining the team’s balance.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) celebrates at Ball Arena.Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Makar has been central to that success this season. The 27-year-old has produced 75 points in 73 games, controlling play from the blue line.

While his absence will be felt, the update offers relief. The Avalanche expect their top defenseman back soon, with the focus now on having him fully ready for a deep playoff run.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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