Avalanche star Cale Makar out for Game 1 against Golden Knights, says coach

The Colorado Avalanche will face a major absence right out of the gates in the West final.

Star defenceman Cale Makar is out for Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT) due to injury, head coach Jared Bednar told reporters.

Bednar said Makar is considered day-to-day and is expected to play at some point in the series.

Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist, left the ice following a collision late in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild, only to return as Colorado won the game — and the second-round series — 4-3 in overtime. He also briefly left Game 1 after taking a hit along the boards, with his right leg flying into the air before falling to the ice.

The 27-year-old Makar has four goals and an assist while averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time through two rounds. He’s a crucial part of their offensive and special teams plans.

Bednar said Tuesday the team was not worried about Makar’s health status.

Makar has missed some recent practices but no games as the Avalanche have gone 8-1 so far in the playoffs.

–with files from The Associated Press