DENVER, CO - MAY 13: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) skates during a break in play in the third period of the Minnesota Wild versus Colorado Avalanche game five Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round game at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on May 13, 2026.

Makar out for Game 1 vs. Golden Knights

16 hours ago
Icon Sportswire / Getty

Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar missed Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday due to an injury.

Makar is day-to-day, and head coach Jared Bednar expects him to play in the series, according to The Athletic's Mark Lazerus. Makar appeared to sustain an injury in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild. He briefly left the game but returned as the Avalanche closed out the series.

The 27-year-old missed multiple practices while Colorado waited for Round 3 to begin.

Makar has registered five points in nine playoff games this spring while averaging nearly 25 minutes per contest. He authored another brilliant regular season with 79 points, earning his sixth consecutive Norris Trophy nomination as the league's top defenseman.

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