Colorado Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar will miss at least one month and approximately two weeks, respectively, after lower-body injuries against the Ottawa Senators.
By Hermes Vector
Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar will miss weeks after sustaining lower-body injuries during Thursday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, head coach Jared Bednar told reporters.
MacKinnon is out at least one month, while Makar will miss approximately two weeks, per Bednar. Bednar did not reveal the exact nature of the injuries.
Both players were hurt in the second period of Colorado’s 4-3 overtime loss to Ottawa. MacKinnon left with 8:15 remaining in the period after going down to his knees holding his right hip following contact with Ottawa defenseman Artem Zub. Makar left favoring his right leg in what appeared to be a non-contact injury.
In Makar’s absence, rookie defenseman Alex Gagne will step into the lineup for his first NHL action, while Gavin Brindley was recalled up front to fill in for MacKinnon. Devon Toews and Sam Malinski will take over top-pair duties, with the Avalanche also looking for more from veterans Brett Kulak and Brent Burns. Nazem Kadri is likely to step in on the top line in MacKinnon’s absence, with Nicolas Roy or Parker Kelly potentially shifting back to center.
Colorado entered Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens third in the Central Division with 25 points. Through 20 games, MacKinnon had 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points. Through 19 games, Makar had five goals and 23 points.
The Avalanche lose their top two players during a stretch in which they are already using long-term injured reserve for Josh Manson’s injury. Both MacKinnon and Makar are expected to be placed on injured reserve in the coming days, leaving Colorado to navigate a difficult portion of its schedule without its leading scorer and top defenseman.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
Wales secured a historic 35-28 victory over New Zealand in Cardiff, ending a 34-match losing streak against the All Blacks that dated back to 1953.
SportsTrending
England will play Japan at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 14 November at 16:40 GMT in the Nations Championship, with Henry Pollock starting at number eight.
