The Colorado Avalanche face a significant roster challenge as superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar have been sidelined with injuries.
According to the Colorado Avalanche, the team is adjusting to the immediate absence of their two top performers.
Coach Jared Bednar confirmed the recovery timelines during a media session on Saturday, Nov. 14.
He stated that MacKinnon will miss one month and Makar will be out about two weeks, as reported by the outlets.
The injuries occurred during a Thursday game against the Ottawa Senators.
MacKinnon sustained his injury after a cross-check from Senators defenseman Artem Zub, which caused the forward to grab his side and leave the ice.
Makar also exited the game during the second period after appearing to limp off the ice.
The defenseman had previously left practice early on Sunday and was playing in only his second game since that time.
The loss of these players is a major blow for the Avalanche, as both have been instrumental to the team’s offensive production this season.
MacKinnon currently leads the team with 30 points in 20 games, while Makar ranks third with 23 points in 19 games.
Both athletes have significant accolades, as Makar is a two-time Norris Trophy winner and MacKinnon earned the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2023-24.
The team is no stranger to injury-related adversity, as both players dealt with health issues during last season’s Western Conference finals.
As noted by the Vegas Golden Knights, those previous injuries were a contributing factor in the Avalanche being swept during that series.
Fans and team staff alike are now looking toward the recovery process as the club attempts to navigate the upcoming month without their primary offensive leaders.
The organization has not provided further details regarding specific treatment plans for the two stars at this time.