The Colorado Avalanche open the Western Conference Final tonight with Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights. However, the injury status of superstar defenseman Cale Makar looms large over the evening.
As it turns out, Makar will not play in Game 1 tonight due to injury, per head coach Jared Bednar. He’s officially listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed ailment.
While losing Makar for the series opener against Vegas certainly isn’t idea, there is good news for Avalanche fans. The former Norris Trophy winner did skate on his own before practice this morning, so at least he’s able to get on the ice. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him return sooner rather than later in this series.
The star blueliner hasn’t exactly been himself while playing through the injury this postseason anyways. Makar has just five points via four goals and one assist in nine games during these Stanley Cup Playoffs. He’s a +5 over that span, but clearly hasn’t played up to his typical game-breaking standards.
Colorado hosts the Golden Knights at 8 p.m. ET tonight for Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Final.
This article will be updated as information becomes available.
