Makar Misses Avalanche Game as Wife Prepares to Deliver Twins
Cale Makar was absent from Colorado's game in Dallas because his wife, Tracy, is about to give birth to twins. Coach Jared Bednar confirmed the absence, and Sam Malinski moved to the top pair with Devon Toews while Noah Juulsen re-entered the lineup. Makar has seven points in five games and could return Wednesday depending on the birth.
Makar remained in Colorado rather than traveling to Dallas, with Tracy expected to deliver twins soon. Jared Bednar said he hoped all goes well for the family. The absence affects Colorado's blue line: Devon Toews and Sam Malinski form the top pair, Toews takes the first power-play unit and Malinski the second. Noah Juulsen returns after being scratched Saturday.
Makar has three goals and four assists in five games, logging 21:30 per game. Colorado is 3-2-0 and leads the league at 5.20 goals per game. Whether he plays Wednesday in Denver depends on the birth. Nathan MacKinnon will play after a maintenance day, and Mackenzie Blackwood starts against Jake Oettinger.
The situation could resonate beyond hockey because it highlights a high-profile athlete choosing family duties over a game. Avalanche teammates and fans may see immediate lineup changes, while fantasy players and bettors could adjust expectations. It may also prompt broader, nonpartisan discussion about workplace support during major family events, though any societal effect is likely modest and mostly confined to sports audiences.