By now, it’s plainly evident that Cale Makar’s absence has been catastrophic for the Colorado Avalanche.
Friday night’s 3-1 loss in Game 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights, one that should have been a victory, highlighted just how much Colorado has missed its Norris Trophy-winning defenseman.
Following the game, Bednar addressed a question regarding Makar’s return to the lineup. Instead of providing clarity on the situation, Bednar shifted the burden of the decision on Makar himself.
“There’s urgency to get him back. Since he’s gotten hurt, but it’s going to be Cale’s decision on when he’s coming back.”
That’s not a good soundbite. It makes it seem like Makar is somehow not feeling up to playing in the most important series of the Avalanche’s season. Of course, if Makar doesn’t feel he’s up to playing, there’s no sense in forcing him on the ice.
However, the comment gave off the impression that it’s Makar who doesn’t want to play. To his credit, Bednar followed up his thoughts by drilling down on Makar doing his best to get back into playing shape.
“He’s doing all the work he can possibly do to try to get back as fast as he can and when we get word he can play then that’s great.”
Great. Makar is working hard to get back into shape. But Bednar concluded with a troubling comment by declaring that it’s not his call.
“I don’t make that decision for him.”
Jared Bednar provides an update on the status of Cale Makar. The Avs are winless in the WCF without him in the lineup. #StanleyCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/L6rtA9fVEz
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 23, 2026
That is a very troubling comment indeed. If the Avalanche lose this series, and especially if misses the entirety of it, speculation will center on Makar’s absence being the reason for Colorado’s defeat.
And guess what? Bednar would have pinned the situation solely on Makar. Bednar’s comments basically read as follows: “It was Makar’s choice to sit out and we lost because of that.”
For the first time this season, Bednar looks lost and seemingly unable to find answers to the situation.
Question: "Is it too simplistic to say their top guys are outplaying your top guys?"
— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) May 23, 2026
Jared Bednar: "So far in the series they're outproducing our top guys. I don't know for sure they're outplaying then, but that's part of it."
"I think it's too simplistic to say that." pic.twitter.com/da4wKbu6RG
His oversimplification of the Avalanche’s current situation is troubling. And it’s even more troubling when he shifts the blame on one of his players for not being out there. You can blame the player, the medical staff, heck, even the fans. But at the end of the day, this entire situation is happening under his watch.
Bednar needs to own up to the situation and take his share of blame. If Makar’s not playing, it should be a collective decision. But don’t say the best defenseman in the world isn’t on the ice because he doesn’t want to.
These are the comments that can cost a coach his job.
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