Cale Makar does not practice, Bednar leaves door open for Game 1

Star defenseman Cale Makar did not practice Tuesday, one day before the Colorado Avalanche open the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights

BY JAKE SHAPIRO

May 19, 2026, 1:55 PM

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Watch: Why haven't the Avs gotten a deal done with Cale Makar? | Stokley and Evans with Mark Schlereth | 1 min

Star defenseman Cale Makar did not practice Tuesday, one day before the Colorado Avalanche open the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena.

Makar was the only Avalanche player absent from the ice. Head coach Jared Bednar, speaking at a joint news conference with general manager Chris MacFarland, said there was no cause for alarm — yet.

“No, not yet,” Bednar said when asked whether he was concerned about Makar’s absence.

Makar, who has five points in nine playoff games this spring, has been listed as day-to-day since missing practices Saturday and Sunday with what appears to be a shoulder ailment sustained during the second-round series against the Minnesota Wild, though he has also been dealing with a hip issue.

Makar was checked midway through the third period of Game 5 against the Wild, grabbed his right arm immediately and skated straight to the locker room. He had been grabbing that area and talking to trainers nonstop throughout the game. He returned to ice a few minutes later.

Wednesday morning’s skate figures to be the key indicator of Makar’s availability for the evening puck drop.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar and GM Chris MacFarland having a joint press conference right now.

On Cale Makar from Bednar: “No, not yet” regarding concerns with him not skating today.

Makar only Avs player absent from practice. Morning skate tomorrow will be important. pic.twitter.com/D8WDF0NUyj

— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) May 19, 2026

The news was more encouraging elsewhere on the Avalanche blue line and in the forward group. Defensemen Brent Burns, Sam Malinski and Josh Manson and forward Artturi Lehkonen — all of whom missed time during the layoff between rounds — were on the ice Tuesday, according to Denver Sports reporter Will Petersen. Bednar did not specifically comment on their status but their presence at practice signals they are trending toward Game 1.

Colorado, the NHL’s top regular-season team, has been dominant through two rounds, going 8-1 with a first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings and a five-game dismissal of the Wild. The Avalanche are in the conference final for the first time since their 2022 Stanley Cup championship run.

Game 1 is Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Ball Arena.