Cale Makar is expected to be available when the Colorado Avalanche face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second and final regular-season meeting between the teams in 2026-27. After leaving practice on Nov. 8 as a precaution because of a lower-body injury, Makar said he feels really good and ready to go tonight.
That matters because the Avalanche are already leaning on one of the NHL's most productive defensemen. Makar entered the matchup with 17 appearances, five goals, 21 points and 16 assists, and his presence changes the look of Colorado on both sides of the puck.
Why Makar's availability matters
Colorado do not simply get back a top defenseman if Makar plays. They get a player who can drive offense from the blue line and tilt a game with his skating, vision and shot. In a tight meeting against Toronto, that sort of influence can be decisive.
The Avalanche know the value of having him available after he and Nathan MacKinnon each produced a power-play goal and two assists in Saturday's shutout win over the Detroit Red Wings. That result offered another reminder of how dangerous Colorado can be when its key players are in rhythm.
A key night in the Western race
Colorado were sitting on 22 points in the Central Division, so every healthy night from Makar matters as the season settles into a demanding stretch. The Avalanche are also looking to build on the momentum of that 4-0 win over Detroit after three consecutive road games.
The previous meeting with Toronto also adds edge to this one. The Maple Leafs beat Colorado 6-3 in Colorado on Oct. 10 in the teams' first regular-season meeting, so this is not just another game for the Avalanche. It is a chance to answer back with a stronger lineup and one of their biggest players back in place.
Makar's season numbers underline why his status drew so much attention. He entered the game among the NHL's top-scoring defensemen by goals, points and assists, and Colorado will want that production available as the matchup becomes the final regular-season chapter between these teams in 2026-27.
