Avalanche shut down Cale Makar for a few games ahead of the playoffs
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Cimon Asselin
Apr 1, 2026 (11:18)
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Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Cale Makar will sit out and Jared Bednar is already managing minutes as the Avalanche protect their top defenceman down the stretch.
The decision came quickly after Monday's game. Colorado isn't taking chances this close to the playoffs.
Bednar confirmed Makar will miss a few games with an upper-body injury, but made it clear the situation isn't serious.
That tone matters inside that room.
Makar took a hit from Adam Klapka in the second period against Calgary, stayed briefly, then didn't return for the third.
Before leaving, he still put up 3 assists in that game, showing how much he drives everything from the blue line.
Colorado isn't reacting to panic. This is controlled management.
Bednar prioritizes rest over late push
The Avalanche sit at 108 points, holding an 8-point cushion in the Central Division.
That breathing room gives Bednar the freedom to shut Makar down short-term without risking their position.
Wednesday's game against Vancouver becomes the first test without him.
Expect Devon Toews and the top four to take on heavier minutes, especially in key defensive situations.
The power play is where the absence hits hardest.
Makar runs that first unit, dictating pace and puck movement from the blue line. Without him, Colorado loses a major piece of its offensive rhythm.
Still, this isn't about one night.
Makar has 75 points this season, including 20 goals, putting him third among NHL defencemen. That level of production doesn't get replaced internally.
So Bednar shifts the focus.
Short-term adjustments, tighter structure, and leaning on depth while keeping his number one defenceman fresh.
Because the message is clear.
Colorado isn't chasing regular-season headlines right now. They're lining up for a deep playoff run.
And making sure Cale Makar is ready for Game 1 matters more than anything happening this week.
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