MacKinnon, Makar exit with lower-body injuries vs. Senators

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - MAY 9: Center Nathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche and defenseman Cale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche take the puck up-ice during the first period of Game 3 of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minn.
Timothy Hurst / Denver Post / Getty

Colorado Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar didn't return to Thursday's overtime loss against the Ottawa Senators due to lower-body injuries.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar didn't have an update on either player, but did note that both will travel to Montreal with the team, according to Denver Post's Corey Masisak. Bednar wasn't sure if either will play on Saturday against the Canadiens.

MacKinnon was fifth in NHL scoring with 30 points in 19 games entering Thursday's contest, while Makar ranked third in points among defensemen with 23 in 18 games.

Makar favored his right leg on a noncontact play. He returned for a brief 23-second shift before leaving the game for good.

MacKinnon took a cross-check from Senators defenseman Artem Zub late in the second period.

MacKinnon led the NHL in goals last season with 53. He won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2024.

Makar is a two-time Norris Trophy winner as the league's best defenseman, most recently winning in 2025.

The Avalanche are 11-6-3 and third in the Central Division.

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