Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon out vs. Red Wings with lower-body injury

Colorado Avalanche star center Nathan MacKinnon continues to be in headlines for reasons other than highlight-reel offensive plays. 

Per Mike Chambers of The Denver Post, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar confirmed that MacKinnon won't play Wednesday night against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena because of an unspecified lower-body injury. Fortunately for Colorado, this appears to be a minor setback. 

"He’s dealing with an issue that’s not getting any better," Bednar explained. "Hopefully we get him as close to 100% as we can (for Friday)." 

The Avalanche host the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. 

MacKinnon missed multiple weeks of action in the fall due to a lower-body injury. More recently, he was sidelined for four games because of a concussion and facial fracture that required him to undergo nose surgery following a hit delivered by Boston Bruins forward Taylor Hall back on Jan. 26. 

Earlier this week, MacKinnon avoided punishment from the league after it was ruled that he accidentally struck linesman Michel Cormier in the leg with his stick during Monday's 5-1 loss at Boston. Bednar made it clear Wednesday's decision to sit MacKinnon isn't related to that incident. 

Since returning to action earlier this month, MacKinnon has enjoyed a five-game point streak that's included three goals and two assists. According to ESPN stats, the 26-year-old is second on the team with 36 assists and has recorded 48 points this season. 

Colorado, meanwhile, sits atop the Central Division standings and is 10 points ahead of the second-place St. Louis Blues.