Cale Makar Injury: Facing short-term absence

Makar (upper body) is expected to miss a few games after head coach Jared Bednar told reporters Wednesday, "He's going to miss some time here. Nothing serious, though," Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Based on Bednar's comments, Makar will likely miss at least the remainder of the week, which includes games against Vancouver on Wednesday, Dallas on Saturday and St. Louis on Sunday. While an exact timeline for Makar's return is unclear, the Avalanche probably won't rush him back with the playoffs fast approaching. In his last nine contests, the 27-year-old defenseman recorded one goal and eight assists, including six power-play points.