Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar will both miss weeks with lower-body injuries

The Colorado Avalanche announced that center Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar will miss multiple weeks due to lower-body injuries sustained during the team's loss to the Ottawa Senators. According to coverage from NHL.com, MacKinnon is expected to be out for approximately one month while Makar faces a two-week absence, marking a significant blow to the Avalanche's roster as both players serve as foundational pieces of the franchise. The injuries occurred in the same game against the Senators, with multiple outlets confirming the timeline details provided by the team.

The Denver Post's headline specifically notes both stars "will both miss weeks with lower-body injuries," while NHL.com provides the most specific timeline breakdown with MacKinnon out one month and Makar two weeks. Yahoo Sports published two separate articles on the development, one focusing on the "unfortunate injury timelines" and another connecting the injuries to the Avalanche's loss to the Senators.

MacKinnon and Makar represent the core of Colorado's championship-contending roster, with MacKinnon serving as the team's premier center and offensive engine while Makar anchors the blue line as a Norris Trophy-caliber defenseman. Their simultaneous absence creates substantial challenges for the Avalanche's playoff positioning in a competitive Central Division. The lower-body injury designation covers a range of potential issues, though coverage does not specify the exact nature of either player's condition beyond the general classification.

The Avalanche's immediate schedule and roster adjustments will be closely monitored as the team navigates an extended period without its two most impactful players. Coverage does not indicate whether corresponding roster moves have been announced or which players will assume increased roles in their absence. The one-month timeline for MacKinnon and two-week projection for Makar provide initial benchmarks, though recovery timelines for lower-body injuries can shift based on subsequent evaluations.