The Colorado Avalanche will likely be without defenseman Cale Makar for their game against the Arizona Coyotes tonight (March 24, 2023). The news comes as no surprise to Avalanche fans, as Makar has been dealing with a lower-body injury. It has kept him out of the lineup for two consecutive games.
Cale Makar's injury has been a significant setback for the Avalanche this season, as the talented blueliner has missed a total of 27 games due to various injuries. Despite these setbacks, Makar has still managed to put up impressive numbers, accumulating 61 points in just 55 games this season.
However, the Avalanche will need to make do without Makar for the time being. The team will likely turn to Bowen Byram to take Makar's place on the No. 1 power-play unit. Byram has shown promise in his rookie season, tallying 23 points in 63 games, and will need to step up in Makar's absence.
While Makar's injury is certainly a blow to the Avalanche, the team has managed to stay competitive throughout the season. With a 41-23-6 record, the Avalanche currently sit in third place in the Central Division and are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.
As for Makar, his day-to-day status suggests that he could return to the lineup sooner rather than later. However, the Avalanche will need to be cautious with their star defenseman, as his health will be crucial to the team's success in the postseason.
In the meantime, the Avalanche will look to continue their winning ways without Makar in the lineup. The team's depth will be put to the test, but with talented players like Byram ready to step up. The Avalanche should be able to weather the storm until Makar returns to the ice.
Cale Makar's NHL journey and achievements.
Cale Makar, a defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, was selected fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in Game 3 of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Calgary Flames.
In his debut game, Cale Makar scored a goal, becoming the first defenseman in NHL history to score a debut goal in the playoffs. Makar has established himself as one of the best defensemen in the modern era, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2020.
Cale Makar also won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. He has scored 241 points, including 64 goals and 177 assists, in 233 career games.
The Avalanche currently sit in third place in the Western Conference's Central Division with a 41-22-6 record, and they are among the top contenders for the 2023 Stanley Cup championship.