Colorado coach Jared Bednar confirmed that defenseman Cale Makar will sit out Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Vegas Golden Knights. Makar, listed as day‑to‑day, skated Monday and Wednesday morning but missed Tuesday’s practice. Sources say he is battling multiple injuries, the most serious stemming from the series with Minnesota.

Makar entered the playoffs with five points—four goals and an assist—and 18 blocked shots in nine games, averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time, second only to Devon Toews. His absence forces Jack Ahcan onto the blue line, though Bednar expects Ahcan to play a limited role. All other skaters, including Artturi Lehonen and Sam Malinski, remain available.

Despite missing Makar, the Avalanche arrived in Denver with an 8‑1 postseason record. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood will start, and veteran defenseman Sam Malinski admitted fans will feel the loss but trusts the group can still deliver. The lineup now hinges on depth players to fill the defensive gap as the series unfolds.

Colorado’s odds shift slightly without its Norris Trophy finalist, but the team’s depth has proven resilient. If the Avalanche can maintain its 8‑1 run, the Golden Knights will face a tougher test than the matchups suggested. Coach Bednar emphasized disciplined play and transitions to compensate for lost minutes. Forward Artturi Lehonen plans to increase his net presence, while forward Mikko Rantanen remains a scoring threat.