The Colorado Avalanche lost superstar defenseman Cale Makar to injury on Monday against the Calgary Flames during a 9-2 victory.
Makar took a big hit from Calgary’s Adam Klapka, and Makar left the game late in the period. Makar notably continued playing initially and tallied an assist before exiting the game.
While the Avalanche didn’t have a detailed update after the game, medical expert Dr. Harjas Grewal said Makar’s injury could be anything from day-to-day recovery or surgery. If the result is surgery, Makar’s season is over.
“Not great video,” Grewal wrote via X. “Possible separated shoulder for Makar. Time off depends on (the) type. Can be as short as day-to-day and can be as bad as needing surgery. NHLers often miss a couple weeks.”
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Grewal noted that skaters could play “with taping/support” plus injections. He added that’s what Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins did during the 4Nations tournament earlier this season.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told reporters after the game that Makar will have an evaluation on Tuesday. The Avalanche had nine games left in the regular season, so the team has a window of time to rest Makar before the playoffs.
That would be a blow to the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup hopes, but the team has lots of depth and talent. Makar is third on the team in assists with 55, and he has 20 goals for 75 points overall this season.
Colorado also relies on Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas to distribute the puck with 71 and 57 assists, respectively. MacKinnon leads the team in goals with 49, and Necas has 35.
If Makar must miss time, the Avalanche has three skaters with 28-29 assists this season. Sam Malinski, Brock Nelson, and Valeri Nichushkin will need to step up on creating offensive opportunities in Makar’s absence.
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