Is Cale Makar playing tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins? Latest injury update on defenseman ahead of the matchup (March 22nd, 2023)

Defenseman Cale Makar will not feature for the Colorado Avalanche in their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, March 22, at the Ball Arena. The puck drop for the game is scheduled for 8 p.m ET.

"#Avs Darren Helm will return to the lineup tonight against Pittsburgh, per Jared Bednar. Cale Makar is making progress but he is still day-to-day with a lower-body injury"- Kyle Fredrickson

Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche skates with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at United Center on January 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Makar has been ruled out of the Avalanche's lineup for their contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. The 24-year-old defenseman is having an issue with his lower body and this will be his second straight game without being involved in the team's lineup.

He is currently considered day-to-day and is expected to return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup on March 24 against the Arizona Coyotes. The 24-year-old defenseman has played well this season, appearing in 55 games and accumulating 61 points (45 goals and 16 assists) while averaging 26:30 minutes on the ice.

Cale Makar's career overview

Cale Makar is interviewed after being selected fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche during the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Makar was the Colorado Avalanche's fourth overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry draft. He made his NHL debut in during the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs Game 3 against the Calgary Flames and also scored his debut goal in the game.

After scoring the first goal, he became the first defenseman in NHL history to score a debut goal in the playoffs. The Calgary native has established himself as one of the best defensemen in the modern NHL era. He has also been honored with the Calder Memorial Trophy (2020) and has also won a Stanley Cup (2022).

Makar has played 233 games in his career and has scored 241 points (64 goals and 177 assists).

The Colorado Avalanche (41-22-6) are placed third in the Central Division of the Western Conference. The reigning 2022 Stanley Cup champions are also among the favorites to lift the Cup this time.