Makar Exits Practice Early; Status Unclear
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar left Sunday's practice with a trainer, with the team opening a four-game road trip Tuesday in Toronto.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Hockey
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar left Sunday's practice early with a trainer after suffering a suspected lower-body issue. Coach Jared Bednar described the exit as precautionary and said Makar will travel with the team for a four-game road trip.
Why it matters
Makar is one of the Avalanche's leading contributors, so his availability affects the team's blue line during a four-game trip. Colorado has been inconsistent defensively, allowing 55 goals through 17 games, which makes his health a closely watched question.
Makar has recorded 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) in 17 games this season, while Colorado has allowed 55 goals over its 17-game stretch. His availability for the road trip remains unconfirmed, and clarity is expected at Tuesday's morning skate in Toronto.
The players
Cale Makar
Cale Makar is a Colorado Avalanche defenseman known for his offensive production from the blue line.
Jared Bednar
Jared Bednar is the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, leading the team's on-ice strategy and lineup decisions.
The details
Makar left Sunday's practice early with a trainer, and Bednar confirmed the exit was for a suspected lower-body issue that he characterized as precautionary. The defenseman will travel with the team on the four-game road trip, which opens Tuesday in Toronto.
Timeline
Sunday: Makar leaves practice early with a trainer.
Tuesday: Four-game road trip opens in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.
Tuesday morning: Morning skate in Toronto where Makar's status should become clearer.
Season Trajectory
Colorado's championship defense has been uneven, and Makar's health becomes central as the Avalanche face a four-game road trip. The outcome could shape how the team performs in the standings as the season progresses.
Fantasy managers relying on Makar's points should monitor Tuesday's morning skate, since his availability will affect the Avalanche's power-play and blue-line usage. The four-game trip also means Colorado's defensive results will be tracked closely in the standings.
The takeaway
Injury reports for key defensemen often arrive quickly after practice, so readers following a team should check official updates before morning skates. Early precaution does not always signal a long absence, but the next day usually clarifies the situation.
What happens next
Makar's status should become clearer at Tuesday's morning skate in Toronto before the road trip opens that evening.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Hockey coverage across Denver.
