Back in February, the Rangers put an end to the speculation around Panarin and traded “The Breadman” to the Kings. Essentially, it was Panarin (signed to a full no movement clause) who chose Los Angeles, and left New York with no choice but to work out a deal with the organization in the City of Angels. The Kings sent prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round selection in 2026.

As reported by Peter Baugh of The Athletic, the conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft would have become a second-rounder had the Kings won one round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche made sure that didn’t happen. As a result, the Rangers own the 81st overall pick in this year’s draft, courtesy of the Panarin trade with the Kings.

How many picks will NY Rangers have in 2026?

As the Kings’ conditional selection sent to the Rangers is confirmed to be a third-round pick, 81st overall, the Blueshirts have a better understanding of where they will operate in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

As it stands, New York owns 11 draft picks in 2026—7 of which are in the top 100, including two first-rounders. The Rangers’ own pick in the first round is a lottery pick, meaning they have an 11.5% chance of coming away with the No. 1 selection, which is projected to be Penn State star Gavin McKenna.

Kings’ elimination also costs NY Rangers a 4th rounder

Under the terms agreed upon by both sides in the Panarin trade, New York would have received a second-round pick instead of a third-rounder had Los Angeles won a single playoff round. Moreover, if the Kings had made it past two rounds and reached the Western Conference Final, the Rangers would have been handed an extra fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.

Realistically, the odds were never on the Kings’ side to make it that far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The fact they entered the postseason as the lowest seed in the entire bracket only made things that much harder. For the Rangers, the fact their draft capital was in the hands of a weak Kings side is only another bad look for Chris Drury and company.

Rangers were left no choice but to trade with Kings

However, the front office had its hands tied, as Panarin made it clear he’d only waive his NMC for a move to Hollywood. Needless to say, Los Angeles was never going to pay a king’s ransom for the “Breadman,” and even if it wanted to go on a deep run, the Wild West’s playoff picture made it clear the Kings were in for a steep climb and an improbable run.

After all, there’s a reason the Kings couldn’t even secure one postseason victory in the 2025–26 NHL season. For the fifth straight year, Los Angeles suffered a first-round exit. The last time it won a playoff series? Back in 2014, when the Kings went all the way to hoist Lord Stanley. Perhaps the Rangers should have known better than to leave trade details up to chance and in the hands of a franchise that can’t shake its postseason woes.

It may get lost behind the fact that they won the Presidents’ Trophy and scored the most goals in the regular season, but the Avalanche also gave up the least goals in the 2025-26 NHL season. Thus, fans can rest assured that when the action gets tighter, the ice seemingly shrinks, and every puck battle can prove decisive, the Avs will be up for the challenge. In case anybody on the Kings overlooked that, MacKinnon delivered a reminder after Game 1 of the first-round series.

“We are comfortable in those low-scoring games,” MacKinnon admitted after the game, via DNVR. “We gave up the least goals in the league this year, we pride ourselves off our defensive hockey. It may be harder for [other] people, but that’s what we want to be.“

Wedgewood stood tall once again

Scott Wedgewood’s incredible performance in the 2025–26 NHL regular season transitioned smoothly into his first career start in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche’s goalie stopped 24 shots to help his team come away with a crucial Game 1 victory on home ice.

In Game 1 against the Kings, Wedgewood recorded a .960 save percentage (SV%) after finishing the campaign with the league’s best .921 SV% and a 2.02 GAA. If he can keep his red-hot form, MacKinnon and the Avs will remain confident they can walk away with low-scoring wins.

Colorado’s push for its fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history is largely hanging on the glove and trapper of a 33-year-old revitalized veteran netminder. So far, so good. If Game 1 of the first round is any indicator, the Avalanche are in safe hands.

Series schedule

• Game 2: Kings at Avalanche (April 21)
• Game 3: Avalanche at Kings (April 23)
• Game 4: Avalanche at Kings (April 26)
• Game 5 IF NECCESARY: Kings at Avalanche (April 29)
• Game 6 IF NECCESARY: Avalanche at Kings (May 1)
• Game 7 IF NECCESARY: Kings at Avalanche (May 3)

The franchise has been cautious with his recovery after he suffered the injury against the Calgary Flames, and recent reports indicate he has already missed multiple games and was ruled out for at least a short stretch.

Despite the absence not being viewed as serious, the team is prioritizing long-term health over short-term urgency. Head coach Jared Bednar has made it clear the focus is on ensuring he is fully fit for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

How and when did Cale Makar get injured?

Cale Makar suffered his injury on March 30, during a game against the Flames after taking a hard hit, resulting in an upper-body issue. The incident occurred in the second period when he absorbed contact from forward Adam Klapka.

Despite finishing the shift and briefly returning to the ice, he was ultimately ruled out before the third period and underwent further evaluation. Initial concern surrounded the severity of the injury, especially given his importance to the blue line.

However, early reports from head coach Jared Bednar indicated the team avoided a worst-case scenario, classifying the issue as an upper-body injury that would sideline him short term rather than long term.

How long is Cale Makar’s recovery timeline?

Cale Makar is expected to miss only a few games. Following the injury, the Avalanche quickly ruled him out for multiple games, confirming he would “miss some time”, but stopping short of placing him on long-term injured reserve.

As of April 7, he is officially listed as day-to-day on injury reports, which suggests the team is managing his recovery carefully rather than rushing him back into action.

This cautious approach is typical late in the season, especially for a franchise cornerstone. With the playoffs approaching, Colorado is prioritizing full recovery over immediate availability.

When will Cale Makar return to play?

There is no exact return date for Cale Makar, but he is expected back in the short term, likely before or right at the start of the playoffs. While the Avalanche have not provided a timeline, all indications point toward a near-term return.

Reports suggest he has already been ruled out for a handful of games, reinforcing that the absence is precautionary rather than prolonged. Given the team’s positioning, he could return at any moment once medical staff clears him.

How has Cale Makar performed this season?

Cale Makar has been one of the NHL’s top defensemen in 2025–26, recording 75 points (20 goals, 55 assists) and ranking among team leaders. He was once again playing at an elite level.

His 75 points place him among the most productive defensemen in the league and highlight his impact in both scoring and playmaking. His influence extends to special teams and overall puck movement, making him a central piece.

His +29 rating further underscores his two-way effectiveness, contributing on both ends of the ice. As the Avalanche push toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs, his form and health remain critical. If he returns at full strength, Colorado regains one of the most dynamic defensemen in the NHL at exactly the right time.

“There’s no excuse. I think if we’re making excuses for that performance, it’s going to be a short [playoff] run,” Bednar said after the 8-6 loss at home to the Canucks, via NHL.com. “We have to play [with effort] for 60 minutes. But we weren’t even close.”

Bednar’s comments aren’t by chance. After a dominant first half of the 2025–26 NHL season, the Avs are now showing cracks in their foundation. MacKinnon remains red-hot—he scored his 50th goal of the season (121 points) against Vancouver—but the team is struggling in other areas.

Avalanche’s concerning form

Indeed, the Avs have won five of their last seven games, but they are just 5-4-1 over their last 10 outings. Moreover, Colorado is looking fragile at home. At Ball Arena in the Mile High City—where the Avs are expected to have a second wind against visiting opponents—the Avalanche have lost five of their last six home games.

As things stand, Colorado is on track to finish the campaign as Presidents’ Trophy champions. That would mean the Stanley Cup Playoffs run through Denver—with MacKinnon’s side enjoying home-ice advantage in every round. Yet if the Avs continue to be a liability on home ice, that advantage could become a burden.

Moreover, the Avalanche have some unfinished business when it comes to the postseason. They’ve had one of the best cores in the league for years, yet aside from their Stanley Cup run in 2022, the Avalanche have never made it past the second round. Colorado could once again run into its kryptonite—the Dallas Stars—in the 2026 playoffs, and there’s no guarantee the Avs would come out of that matchup alive.

Bednar wants Colorado to play with hunger again

Thus, Bednar is wasting no time sending a message to his team. Every dog has its day—that’s a fact. But for a struggling Canucks team to have it against the No. 1 team in the league is something Colorado can’t fathom and won’t let slide.

The Avalanche have eight games left on the schedule. With their playoff spot already secured, these final games will be crucial in helping them find their mojo. If not, as Bednar bluntly warned, the Avs could be headed for another short playoff run.

Colorado should know better—these disappointing endings have a way of snowballing, and sooner or later, the team could find itself buried under an avalanche of heartbreak and self-doubt.

“He’s doing OK… he’s going to miss some time, though,” Bednar said according to NHL.com. “Nothing that puts the playoffs in jeopardy, but we want to make sure he’s right for the final stretch.”

The injury occurred during Monday’s 9-2 win, when Makar was hit in the second period and did not return for the third. Despite the setback, he still recorded three assists in the game, continuing his strong season.

Avalanche prioritize recovery with playoffs approaching

Colorado’s decision to rest Makar reflects its position in the standings. The team has already secured a playoff spot and sits atop the Central Division, giving it flexibility to manage workloads.

Makar has been one of the league’s most productive defensemen this season, totaling 75 points (20 goals, 55 assists) in 73 games while averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time. His impact on both ends of the ice makes him a critical piece of the Avalanche’s postseason plans.

What Makar’s absence means for Colorado

While the timeline remains unclear, Bednar made it clear the injury is not considered serious. The focus is on ensuring Makar is fully healthy before the playoffs begin rather than rushing him back for the final regular-season games.

With eight games remaining, Colorado will rely on its depth to maintain momentum. The priority, however, is clear: having Makar ready at full strength when the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin.

The injury occurred during Colorado’s 9–2 win over Calgary, where he still managed to record three assists before exiting in the second period. He left that game early after taking a hit and did not return.

Reports indicate the concern stems from an upper-body issue, with early speculation ranging from minor discomfort to a possible shoulder injury, though multiple insiders have suggested it is not believed to be serious at this stage.

How did Cale Makar get injured?

Cale Makar suffered an upper-body injury after taking a hit during the Colorado Avalanche’s 9–2 win. The play occurred late in the second period when the star defenseman was checked by Flames forward Adam Klapka, after which he briefly stayed in the game but was visibly affected and did not return for the third period.

Before leaving the ice, the defenseman had already been one of the standout performers of the night, recording three assists and continuing his dominant offensive form from the blue line.

However, the hit led the team’s medical staff to pull him out for precautionary evaluation, and he was officially ruled out for the remainder of the game with what the club labeled an upper-body injury.

When could Cale Makar return to play?

Cale Makar is currently considered day-to-day, meaning his return to the Colorado Avalanche could come as soon as the next game, but it will ultimately depend on how he responds to treatment and pregame testing.

Medical updates suggest the organization is treating the situation cautiously, especially with the playoffs approaching and the Avalanche in a strong position in the standings.

For now, his status remains a true game-time decision heading into upcoming matchups, including the scheduled clash against the Vancouver Canucks, with final confirmation expected closer to puck drop depending on warmups and coaching evaluation.

How has Cale Makar performed this season?

Cale Makar is once again delivering a Norris Trophy–caliber season for the Colorado Avalanche, posting 66 points (19 goals and 47 assists) in 57 games so far in 2025–26.

The elite defenseman remains one of the most productive blue-liners in the entire NHL, ranking near the top among defensemen in both points and plus-minus while playing heavy minutes in all situations.

His offensive impact has been especially consistent in recent weeks, including multi-point performances that have helped the Avalanche maintain one of the strongest records in the Western Conference.

The Avalanche consistently control possession and scoring chances with him leading the breakout game and stabilizing defensive matchups against top opponents, reinforcing why he is considered a central piece of their Stanley Cup aspirations heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

“It’s all of us… I’ve got to lead the way on that,” Crosby said, per The Athletic, admitting he lost his check on one of the goals. “These last two games, we’ve given up way too much.”

Pittsburgh has allowed 21 goals over its last four games, including losses to the Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes. Crosby has contributed offensively since returning from injury with one goal and four assists, but his minus-4 rating reflects the team’s struggles in its own zone.

Crosby leads with accountability

Crosby emphasized that defensive issues are not limited to one group. He pointed out that forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders all share responsibility when goals are allowed.

His comments reinforce a leadership approach based on accountability, especially at a critical point in the season. Against strong opponents, small mistakes have quickly turned into goals against.

Penguins must respond to stay in playoff position

Despite the recent results, the Penguins remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division, but the gap is narrow. The New York Islanders are just behind, increasing the pressure to respond.

With a road game against the Ottawa Senators next, Pittsburgh needs to tighten its defensive structure. Crosby’s message sets the tone: improvement must start immediately if the team wants to hold its playoff spot.

‘It’s a good start… we feel good about the way we’re playing. Making the playoffs is the first step to where you want to go,’ Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said via NHL.com after the team secured its postseason berth.

MacKinnon’s playmaking set the tone early, helping the Avalanche control the game from the opening period, just days after Bednar reacted to Nathan MacKinnon’s criticism as Avalanche make roster move. Martin Necas added a goal and two assists, reaching a career-high 84 points, as Colorado’s top players delivered in a key moment.

MacKinnon continues elite run

MacKinnon extended his point streak to five games, further cementing his role as the engine of Colorado’s offense. His ability to create scoring chances and dictate tempo has been critical as the team pushes toward the playoffs.

The Avalanche dominated early, outshooting Chicago 20-5 in the first period, with MacKinnon at the center of their offensive rhythm. His connection with Necas and other top forwards has helped elevate the team’s consistency down the stretch.

Avalanche peaking at the right time

With 100 points and a playoff spot secured, Colorado is building momentum as the postseason approaches. MacKinnon’s current form, combined with contributions from players like Necas and Valeri Nichushkin, gives the Avalanche a balanced and dangerous attack.

If MacKinnon maintains this level of production, Colorado will enter the playoffs as one of the strongest contenders, with its top star leading the charge at the most important time of the season.

“We’ve got to get to Oettinger more. I feel like all three games we’ve outshot and outplayed them heavily, we’ve just got to find a way to beat that guy,” MacKinnon said after the 2-1 loss on home ice, via Will Petersen of Denver Sports 104.3.

Colorado almost doubled Dallas in shots on goal, as the Avs fired 34 pucks on Oettinger’s net to the Stars‘ 18 on Scott Wedgewood. The Avalanche also dominated at the dot, winning 57.6% of the faceoffs. However, they couldn’t figure out Oettinger—once more.

Not even the fact the Avalanche reacted to MacKinnon’s criticism with a roster move before the game against Dallas changed the tune. The Stars have defeated the Avs once again.

Dallas is proving to be Colorado’s kryptonite

Not only in the Stanley Cup Playoffs—where the Avs are 2-5 in series against the Stars (including two straight eliminations in 2024 and 2025)—but in the regular season, as well. Dallas simply has Colorado’s number. That is a scary thought for the Avalanche, as there is a very real scenario in which they meet the Stars once again in the second round of the postseason.

Whether the Stars play better than the Avs or not seems to be irrelevant. So far in the 2025–26 NHL season, Colorado has outshot Dallas in all three of their meetings. Still, MacKinnon and the Avalanche have a 1-0-2 record to show for it.

Recent playoff history between Stars and Avalanche

On the bright side, Colorado can hang on to the fact that all three games have been decided in a shootout. In the playoffs, shootouts no longer exist. However, sudden-death, 5-on-5 overtime hasn’t been much kinder to MacKinnon and company either.

Since the 2019–20 season, the Stars and Avs have faced each other in three playoff series. Dallas has moved on each time, and whenever a game has gone to overtime, Colorado is 1-4. It seems the Avalanche’s only chance to defeat the Stars is through a blowout, whereas the Texan club excels in tight, low-scoring duels.

Perhaps, the fact Jake Oettinger is in net for the Stars explains the logic behind that statistic. Regardless, MacKinnon has grown sick and tired of falling at the hands of Dallas. Maybe this year will be different. For Colorado, it has to be.

After MacKinnon expressed his frustration with Bednar and the Avs dressing 11 forwards and 7 defensemen on the lineup, Colorado reacted. According to The Denver Post’s Corey Masisak, the Avalanche are recalling a forward and putting together a traditional 12-forward and 6-blueliner lineup.

The Avalanche had been playing an 11/7 lineup since Ross Colton sustained an upper-body injury against the Edmonton Oilers on March 10. Since, Colorado played three games in the NHL campaign, going 1-2-0.

Lineup changes for Colorado

It’s become clear that the Avalanche are better off with 12 forwards and 6 defensemen, so that’s the route Bednar and company are taking. However, most signs indicate Colton will remain sidelined, as he is still considered day-to-day.

Defenseman Nick Blankenburg will be sent down to the minors, as Colorado recalls another forward to fill the open spot on the fourth line. Instead of dressing an extra blueliner and constantly shifting defensive pairings and forward lines, the Avalanche will do what most NHL teams do: roll out established lines.

The Colorado Avalanche’s decision comes at the perfect time. Colorado is set to host the Dallas Stars in a crucial game. The Avs are currently three points clear atop the Central Division NHL. A win over the Stars could go a long way toward securing the division title, while a loss could put their grip on first place at risk.

“We’ve just been making so many mistakes,” MacKinnon admitted postgame, via Guerrilla Sports. “I don’t like [playing] seven defensemen. Different defensive pairs every shift isn’t great. The flow is off for sure.”

MacKinnon’s statement is a clear warning shot for head coach Bednar and the Avalanche. If a team leader like MacKinnon isn’t pleased with the 11/7 lineup, then it should be a wake-up call for the coaching staff. An 11/7 lineup means the Avs are dressing 11 forwards and 7 defensemen.

Why is Colorado playing 11 forwards?

The Avalanche are currently without Ross Colton, who sustained an upper-body injury during Colorado’s 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Colton is considered day-to-day but has now missed three straight games in the 2025-26 NHL season.

Rather than replace him, Jared Bednar has opted to call up defenseman Nick Blankenburg and have him serve as an extra blueliner. The move paid off in the first game, as Colorado defeated Seattle by a score of 5-1.

Avalanche are running into trouble without Colton

However, the Avalanche have dropped consecutive games since, including a disheartening 7-2 loss at home to the Penguins. Perhaps after hearing MacKinnon publicly criticize the coaching decision, Bednar will assemble a 12/6 lineup once again.

Up next, Colorado will take on the Dallas Stars (March 18) in a pivotal game for first place in the Central Division. The Avs can’t afford to give the Stars any advantage, and right now, it seems like playing an incomplete forward line does just that.