Cale Makar is a late scratch for tonight's game... for the best reason possible

The Colorado Avalanche dropped some unexpected lineup news ahead of their Tuesday night clash with the Dallas Stars, and for once it had nothing to do with an injury. Star defenseman Cale Makar was nowhere to be found at morning skate, and while that would normally send Avs fans into a full-blown panic, this time around the reason is about as heartwarming as it gets.

Makar Steps Away as Twins Are on the Way

The Avalanche confirmed that Makar's wife, Tracy, has gone into labor, and the couple is expecting the arrival of twins. Naturally, the two-time Norris Trophy winner is staying back in Denver to be by her side for what is sure to be one of the biggest moments of their lives. The couple tied the knot back in 2024, and this will mark their first children together.

Noah Juulsen will step into the lineup in Makar's absence as Colorado takes on Dallas in the first leg of a home-and-home series. Juulsen has tallied one assist through three games so far this season. Losing Makar from the lineup is obviously a significant blow on the ice, but this is one of those situations where hockey takes a backseat to what really matters.

Makar has been off to another scorching start this season, racking up three goals and four assists for seven points through five games while averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per night. The 27-year-old remains the engine of Colorado's blue line and one of the most dynamic players in the entire league. His resume already includes two Norris Trophies, a Conn Smythe from the Avs' 2022 Stanley Cup run, and a recently signed eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension that will make him the NHL's highest-paid player when it kicks in during the 2027-28 season.

What's Next for Makar and the Avalanche

The big question now is whether Makar will be available for the second game of the home-and-home against Dallas on Wednesday night at Ball Arena. Head coach Jared Bednar told reporters that the team will monitor the situation on a day-by-day basis, which makes total sense given the unpredictable nature of, well, having babies.

Colorado will certainly miss his presence on the ice, but there is not a person in the hockey world who would begrudge Makar for putting family first. The Avs will have to find a way to fill the void left by their top defenseman, at least for one night, and possibly two.

Congratulations to Cale and Tracy on the exciting expansion of their family. Twins are no joke, so here is hoping everything goes smoothly for the Makars. Something tells us he will be back on the ice with a little extra pep in his step whenever he does return.