Canada’s Cale Makar to miss 4 Nations game against USA; Thomas Harley to play

Credit: Oct 20, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) warms up on the ice before the game between the San Jose Sharks and the Colorado Avalanche at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is out due to illness and will not suit up for Canada in Saturday’s 4 Nations Face-Off clash against the rival United States. With Makar sidelined, Dallas Stars rearguard Thomas Harley will enter the lineup.

Facing Sweden in Wednesday’s opener at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Makar led all Canadian skaters with just over 28 minutes in ice time in which he finished with two shots and three blocks.

With the Avalanche this season, Makar has made 57 appearances in which he has collected 22 goals with 41 assists for 63 points to sit first in scoring among defensemen league wide. Originally chosen fourth overall by Colorado in the 2017 NHL Draft, Makar has spent part of seven seasons with the Avalanche in which he has amassed 108 goals and 291 assists for 399 points through 372 career contests.

In 2021-22, Makar was presented with the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s Defenseman of the Year after he tallied 86 points counting 28 goals and 58 assists in 77 outings. That spring then saw Makar lift the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche. En route to the championship, Makar posted eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points through 20 postseason appearances to claim the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.

A 26-year-old Calgary native, Makar has previously represented Canada at the 2018 World Juniors where he led all tournament defensemen with eight points in seven games en route to a gold medal victory.

For Harley, the 23-year-old rearguard makes his debut in the 4 Nations Face-Off following 53 appearances with the Stars this season in which he has recorded nine goals and 20 assists for 29 points. Originally chosen 18th overall by Dallas in the 2019 NHL Draft, Harley has played part of five seasons with the Stars where through 172 total appearances he has tallied 25 goals and 57 assists for 82 points.

Prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off, Harley had joined Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Under-18 World Championship, and World Juniors.