MacKinnon removed for precautionary reasons in blowout win over Predators

Nathan MacKinnon was taken out of Thursday night's game against the Nashville Predators for precautionary reasons, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told the assembled media, including Altitude Sports Radio, postgame.

The star forward departed the 9-4 Avalanche win late in the second period. The club announced in the third period he wouldn't return due to an upper-body injury, according to The Athletic's Ryan S. Clark.

It's unclear how MacKinnon suffered the ailment, but his final shift came with 2:07 left in the second frame.

The 24-year-old center scored a goal and added three assists while taking 10 shots on goal before exiting.

Colorado is already dealing with injuries to MacKinnon's fellow top-line forwards, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog.

MacKinnon has amassed nine goals and 13 assists in 16 games this season.

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