Colorado Avalanche D Cale Makar won't play against Los Angeles Kings on Sunday

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar celebrates his goal against the Arizona Coyotes with teammates during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will not play against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night.

Makar missed the final 2:57 of the third period and overtime in a 4-3 shootout loss at the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday because of a lower body injury.

Makar leads the NHL with 27 assists, and his 34 points is tied with Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes for most by a defenseman.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar did not know if Makar would miss more than one game.

“That’s all I know for now,” Bednar said.

With Makar unavailable, rookie defenseman Sam Malinski will come into the lineup for his second career game.

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