Makar a game-time decision vs. USA due to illness

Team Canada defenseman Cale Makar is considered a game-time decision Saturday against the United States due to an illness, head coach Jon Cooper said, per TSN's Mark Masters.

Makar was absent from Friday's practice but able to partake in Saturday's morning skate. Cooper said Friday that he's confident Makar will be able to suit up.

Thomas Harley will play for Canada if Makar is unable to go. Travis Sanheim is entering the lineup on defense for Shea Theodore, who suffered a tournament-ending injury in Canada's 4-3 overtime win against Sweden on Wednesday.

Makar, the 2022 Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, logged a team-high 28:06 on Wednesday. He leads all NHL defensemen with 63 points in 57 games for the Colorado Avalanche this season.