Cale Makar is expected to miss the Colorado Avalanche’s game against the Dallas Stars on October 14, as his wife, Tracy, is reportedly in labor with their twins. Avalanche reporter Evan Rawal reported that the defenseman will not play in Dallas.

Colorado is expected to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen in Makar’s absence. Devon Toews could take over on the top power-play unit, while Sam Malinski may also be asked to take on a bigger role.

Makar has three goals and four assists through Colorado’s first five games this season. His seven points make his absence a notable loss for an Avalanche team that relies heavily on his work at both ends of the ice.

The 27-year-old has won two Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman and the Conn Smythe Trophy after helping Colorado win the Stanley Cup in 2022. He made his NHL debut during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Makar’s personal milestone comes during a major period in his career. He recently agreed to an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with Colorado, carrying a $20.4 million average annual value. The deal begins in 2027-28 and would make him the NHL’s highest-paid player by annual value.

Cale Makar never saw himself leaving Colorado

Cale Makar had little interest in playing elsewhere when it came time to discuss his future with the Avalanche. The defenseman said he could not picture himself leaving Colorado, where he has spent most of his NHL career.

“I just really didn’t see myself anywhere else,” Makar told Altitude TV’s Lauren Gardner.

He also spoke about the connection he and his family have built with the state in the team’s announcement of his extension.

“Colorado has truly become a second home to us,” Makar said.

Cale Makar has previously made it clear that he hopes to spend his entire career in Colorado. Speaking about the extension, he said, “My intention was always to be an Av, hopefully for life, and I think this is a major step towards that.”

Edited by Sonali Verma