Avalanche’s Bednar on Makar: ‘It’s gonna be Cale’s decision on if he’s coming back’
If Cale Makar is going to return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup, it’ll be his choice.
That’s what Avs head coach Jared Bednar told reporters Friday night after the team’s 3-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“It’s gonna be Cale’s decision on if he’s coming back,” Bednar said. “He’s doing all the work. I don’t make that decision for him.”
Jared Bednar provides an update on the status of Cale Makar. The Avs are winless in the WCF without him in the lineup. #StanleyCupPlayoffs
The comments come after Makar, 27, missed the first two games of the Western Conference Final due to an injury suffered in the previous series against the Minnesota Wild.
The Avalanche lost Games 1 and 2 – both on home ice – and now travel to Vegas to try and get back in the series.
Through nine games in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Makar has four goals and one assist for five points, averaging 24:59 of ice time.
Bednar on Makar: “It’s gonna be Cale’s decision on if he’s coming back. He’s doing all the work. I don’t make that decision for him.”
Makar finished the 2025-26 regular season with 20 goals and 59 assists for 79 points, averaging 24:51 of ice time in 75 games. He was third among all defenseman in points, and was named a finalist for the Norris Trophy for the sixth time in his seven-year NHL career.
Through 470 regular-season games, Makar has 136 goals and 371 assists for 507 points, averaging 24:48 of ice time. Meanwhile, the Calgary native has 26 goals and 64 assists for 90 points in 88 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022, scoring eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points, averaging 27:04 per game.