Colorado Avalanche News

Makar appeared in 10 playoff games in 2019, burning the first year of his entry-level contract, so he needed to be re-signed after just two regular seasons in the NHL. Over that time, the 2017 No.4 overall pick is tied for fourth among defensemen in points (94) but second in points-per-game (0.93) while appearing in 101 of the 126 games. As of now, Makar is tied for the fourth highest-paid defenseman ($9.0M AAV) heading into 2021-22.

The Wild signed Parise to a 13-year, $98M contract in 2012 and bought out the final four years on Tuesday. Parise will count against the Wild's cap until 2028-29, carrying a $2.372M cap-hit in 2021-22.

Lehkonen was forced to leave Game 3 last night after a collision with Rasmus Sandin and did not return. If Lehkonen is unavailable for Game 4, look for Eric Staal (undisclosed) to draw back in and take his place.

MacKinnon was held out of the lineup in four of the final five games of the regular season but was on the ice in the days leading up to Game 1, so all signs point towards him being available on Monday. MacKinnon had another outstanding season, scoring 20 goals with 45 assists (65 points) in 48 games.

Poolman will not play in the season finale on Friday and is considered questionable for Game 1 vs. the Oilers. The Jets have to see how Poolman is feeling in the next couple of days before determining his status for the postseason.

Kelly was an undrafted free agent signing out of the WHL (Prince Albert) who has scored seven goals with five assists (12 points) in 28 games this season. On Wednesday he will skate with Logan Brown and Alex Formenton on the Senators' fourth line.

MacKinnon returned to the Avalanche lineup on Monday but will be held out of Wednesday's game and most likely tomorrow's as well. This appears to be precautionary with very little to gain in the final two games of the regular season.

Girard has missed the last six games but will play Wednesday vs. the Kings. it's unclear who Girard will replace but it gives him the opportunity to get back up to game speed with the playoffs just around the corner.

MacKinnon has missed the last two games but will return to the lineup tonight in Vegas. With MacKinnon back in, Tyson Jost will move back into the middle-6. MacKinnon comes in with 30 points (10G / 20A) in his last 19 games.

It will be MacDonald's first game since April 14th, as he replaces Dan Renouf in the lineup in San Jose. MacDonald has tallied one goal with six assists (seven points) in 29 games this season.