Is Cale Makar playing tonight against the Anaheim Ducks? Latest injury update ahead of matchup on April 9, 2023

Colorado Avalanche fans may be disappointed to hear that star defenseman Cale Makar is still out indefinitely due to a lower-body injury. Makar missed the last two games and is not expected to play against the Anaheim Ducks tonight at 8:30 PM ET.

According to NHL.com, Makar has been dealing with this injury for some time now, and the team has not provided any further updates on his status. While he will travel to Los Angeles with the team to face the Kings on Saturday, fans will have to wait a little longer to see him back on the ice.

His absence has been felt by the Avalanche, as he has been a crucial player for them this season. In only 60 games, he has managed to score an impressive 17 goals and 66 points, including five goals and 25 assists on the power play.

Makar's contribution to the team's success cannot be overstated, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return. While it is disappointing that he will not be playing tonight, the Avalanche still have a strong team and will no doubt put up a good fight against the Ducks.

Fans will have to wait and see when Makar will be back in action, but for now, they can take comfort in the fact that the team is doing everything they can to ensure his full recovery.

A look at Cale Makar's NHL career

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Since making his NHL debut in the playoffs in 2019, Cale Makar has quickly become one of the league's most dynamic defensemen. The fourth overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, he wasted no time making an impact with the Colorado Avalanche.

In his first NHL game, Makar scored the game-winning goal against the Calgary Flames, becoming the first defenseman and seventh player ever to score a playoff goal in his NHL debut.

The 2020-21 season saw him cement himself as one of the league's elite defensemen. Makar also tied the Avalanche/Nordiques record for points in a playoff game, and became the first defenseman in NHL history to score five points in a series-clinching game.

But Cale Makar's historic season didn't end there. He won the Norris Trophy in 2021-22, leading all NHL defensemen with 28 goals and 86 points. He also became the first Avalanche/Nordiques defenseman to win the award.

Cale Makar's NHL career is still young, but he has already accomplished feats that few have matched. With Makar on their blue line, the Avalanche have a cornerstone player for years to come.