Avalanche Stars MacKinnon and Makar Sidelined with Lower-Body Injuries

Nathan MacKinnon is expected to miss at least one month while Cale Makar is out approximately two weeks following injuries against Ottawa.

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar announced Saturday that Nathan MacKinnon will miss at least one month and Cale Makar will be sidelined for approximately two weeks. Both players sustained lower-body injuries during the team's Thursday night loss to the Ottawa Senators. MacKinnon, who leads Colorado with 30 points and 20 assists, exited the game with eight minutes remaining after receiving a hip-area check from Artem Zub. Makar left the ice shortly before his teammate after appearing to suffer a noncontact injury while stopping in the offensive zone.

The loss of these two skaters impacts a power play unit that has converted 10 goals over the last 10 games. Makar currently ranks third among NHL defensemen with 23 points through 19 appearances this season. The Avalanche, who hold an 11-6-3 record and sit third in the Central Division, are already playing without defenseman Josh Manson, who remains on long-term injured reserve due to an ankle injury.

With both Makar and Manson unavailable, the team is expected to increase the workloads of Devon Toews and Sam Malinski. Colorado had recently improved from a 5-4-1 start to the season before these injuries occurred during the matchup against the Senators.