Avalanche Captain Demands Review of High Hit on Makar by Levshunov
Gabriel Landeskog claimed Artyom Levshunov’s hit on Cale Makar deserved a more thorough review, arguing it involved head contact and elevated risk. The Avalanche captain later retaliated with a mid-air hip-check on Levshunov during the same game. The incident occurred in a 5-2 win over the Blackhawks, with Landeskog emphasizing that if officials wouldn’t act, players would take matters into their own hands.
On November 2, 2026, during a Colorado Avalanche game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center, a contentious hit by Blackhawks defenseman Artyom Levshunov on Avalanche star Cale Makar sparked a postgame controversy. The incident occurred when Levshunov launched a high hit on Makar, resulting in a two-minute minor penalty for elbowing, while teammate Martin Necas received a coincidental roughing minor. Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog publicly criticized the officiating, asserting that the hit involved head contact and warranted a more thorough review, particularly given Makar’s status as a top defenseman and key player. Despite the lack of a major penalty, Landeskog later retaliated in-game with a mid-air hip-check on Levshunov, which went uncalled. The Avalanche won 5-2, with Nazem Kadri and Jaden Schwartz each scoring twice; Makar played a game-high 23 minutes without injury. This incident follows earlier media attention on Makar, including coverage of his twins’ birth in October 2026, underscoring the heightened scrutiny around his physical safety. The NHL has not yet issued a formal review or disciplinary action regarding the hit, leaving the league’s enforcement standards under question. Landeskog’s actions reflect a broader tension between player accountability and official consistency, with players increasingly stepping in when they perceive rule enforcement as inconsistent.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about player safety and officiating consistency in the NHL, particularly around hits to the head and the role of retaliation in maintaining team integrity. With Makar being one of the league’s most valuable players, any perceived threat to his health can trigger strong reactions from teammates and coaches, potentially escalating into on-ice confrontations. The lack of a penalty on Landeskog’s retaliatory hit may signal a shift in how officials interpret player response versus intentional aggression—especially when such actions occur in the heat of competition. Comparable cases include the 2014 incident involving Ryan Kesler and the NHL’s subsequent crackdown on head hits, which reshaped enforcement norms. The current situation could influence future rule interpretation, especially if similar incidents are reported with increasing frequency. It may also prompt renewed debate about whether player-led justice undermines league authority or serves