Makar, Helm out indefinitely with lower-body injuries

The Colorado Avalanche may have to play through the stretch run without their top defenseman.

Head coach Jared Bednar announced Thursday that Cale Makar and depth forward Darren Helm are out indefinitely with lower-body injuries, according to the Denver Gazette's Kyle Fredrickson.

Bednar added that both players are dealing with new injuries, not just maintenance from previous ailments.

Thursday's meeting with the San Jose Sharks will be Makar's second straight missed game and 17th total of the campaign. He's been sidelined for brief stints multiple times this season with an upper-body ailment, a head injury, and a previous lower-body issue.

Makar, the reigning Conn Smythe and Norris Trophy winner, has been spectacular when available, posting 66 points in 60 games while averaging a league-high 26:23 per contest.

Injuries to key players are nothing new for the defending champions. Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin, Evan Rodrigues, and Bowen Byram are among the Avs who've missed at least 10 games. In addition to Makar, Colorado is also currently without Artturi Lehkonen, Josh Manson, and captain Gabriel Landeskog, who's yet to play this season.

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