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1h ago

Avalanche Will Be Without MacKinnon for a Month and Makar for Two Weeks

Colorado has recalled AHL winger Gavin Brindley and has rookie Alex Gagne available to cover top-line scoring and power-play minutes as the club reshuffles its lineup.

Oct 31, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) controls the puck in the third period against the Calgary Flames at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon celebrates his goal with left wing Victor Olofsson and defenseman Cale Makar (Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)
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Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar, left, congratulates centre Nathan MacKinnon after he scored a goal against the Minnesota Wild in the third period of Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Overview

  • Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar both left Colorado’s game in Ottawa and suffered lower-body injuries Thursday that removed them from the 4-3 overtime loss.
  • Head coach Jared Bednar said Saturday that MacKinnon will miss about one month while Makar is expected to be sidelined roughly two weeks.
  • The Avalanche recalled winger Gavin Brindley from the AHL and carried rookie defenseman Alex Gagne to Montreal as immediate depth with Gagne positioned to make his NHL debut if needed.
  • MacKinnon led the team with 30 points in 20 games and Makar had 23 points in 19 games, creating short-term gaps in scoring, matchup defense and power-play roles that the club must fill.
  • Colorado will reshuffle lines and special teams during a stretch of road games and is expected to manage short-term cap issues using injury-list options if replacements are needed.