Cale Makar Missed Practice Before Game 1 and an Avs D-Man Said They 'Can't Replace Him'

The Western Conference Finals just got a whole lot spicier before Game 1 even drops the puck! The Colorado Avalanche face the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, but the biggest story isn't the matchup. It's Norris Trophy finalist Cale Makar, a superstar defenseman and cornerstone of the Avs, who sat out practice Tuesday, leaving everyone wondering what's up.

The Avs' Big Problem Child?

Coach Jared Bednar tried to play it cool, claiming "No" when asked about concern over Makar's health. But then he added, "Not yet," which honestly, doesn't inspire a whole lot of confidence. This isn't Makar's first scare this postseason. The 27-year-old left the ice late in Game 5 against Minnesota after a collision, only to return and help the Avs seal that series 4-3 in overtime. Before that, in Game 1, he took a nasty hit along the boards, his right leg flying before he hit the ice. The guy is averaging almost 25 minutes a game through two rounds, with four goals and an assist. He's crucial for their offense and special teams. The Avs are 8-1 so far in the playoffs, but they've been doing it with Makar missing some recent practices, though he hasn't missed a game yet.

Can Anyone Step Up?

So, what happens if Makar can't go for Game 1? His D-partner, Sam Malinski, didn't exactly calm things down when asked about worried fans. "I don't know what to tell them," Malinski admitted. "Obviously, it would be great to have him out here. You can't replace him, and we're going to miss him out there. Yeah, hopefully we can still get it done without him." Talk about a stark assessment: "You can't replace him"! If Makar is out, more responsibility falls on Malinski, Devon Toews, Josh Manson, Brett Kulak, Jack Ahcan, Nick Blankenburg, and even the 41-year-old Brent Burns. Malinski confirmed they'd "have to play a little bit more" and be "challenged with different situations," possibly even penalty killing. He insisted they don't feel pressure, they just "have to step up." Manson echoed that sentiment: "If he can't go, it is what it is. That's a huge piece." You bet it is! This isn't just a minor tweak to the lineup. This is a potential game-changer for the entire Western Conference Finals. Game 1 is tomorrow, and the Avs are either going to pull off a miracle without their star D-man or they're going to feel the pain of his absence right from the jump. Will Makar hit the ice in Game 1? This series just got way more dramatic, and we're here for it!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.