Avalanche Defender Makar Misses Game for Family Reason in Dallas

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will miss Tuesday's game against the Dallas Stars because of a personal matter related to his family, according to Rotowire citing Corey Masisak of The Denver Post. The 27-year-old's availability for the following rematch remains uncertain.

Rotowire reported that Makar is expected to miss at least one game because his wife is due to give birth. The defenseman has recorded three goals, seven points, 13 shots on net and six blocked shots in five games this season.

TheScore reported that several Avalanche players also spent the offseason playing tennis as a way to maintain conditioning and sharpen hand-eye coordination. The informal competition has created debate among teammates about who has the strongest game.

Makar said he enjoys the sport after returning from injury rehabilitation this summer, and he previously played tennis two or three times a week during an offseason.

"It's such a fun sport," said Makar, Avalanche defenseman.

"I like to think I'm a compete kind of guy. It'll be a hard point," said Makar, Avalanche defenseman.

Martin Necas was identified by TheScore as one of the Avalanche players considered among the better tennis players on the roster. He also attended Wimbledon and played on a grass training court through a connection with Tomas Plekanec.

"And they were on the same level," said Necas, Avalanche forward, describing his childhood idols Alex Ovechkin and Rafael Nadal.

"It was great," said Necas, Avalanche forward, about his Wimbledon experience.

Necas and Artturi Lehkonen have developed a competitive tennis rivalry, while Nicolas Roy, who started playing tennis around age 5, said the sport provides a useful balance for young hockey players.

"He hasn't won," said Necas, Avalanche forward.

"Actually, the last time I did beat you," said Lehkonen, Avalanche forward.

"That was a tiebreaker. It wasn't a match," said Necas, Avalanche forward.

"Yeah, he won the super-tiebreaker," said Necas, Avalanche forward.

Roy said he believes children should participate in sports beyond hockey during the summer. The Avalanche players often use tennis clubs, parks, schools and Brent Burns' home court for games.

"Nowadays, the kids are only doing hockey in the summer, and I think every kid should at least do a different sport than other than hockey in the summer. Kids are focused too early on just playing hockey," said Roy, Avalanche forward.

"They're both really good," said Roy, Avalanche forward, referring to Lehkonen and Necas.

"We were playing a tiebreaker, I guess, and it was pretty even. One guy was winning one, the other guy was winning one, so it was two really good players. It’s fun, obviously, having good players on the team, so we can play," said Roy, Avalanche forward.

Brock Nelson has also followed tennis closely and attended U.S. Open matches, including a 2017 final involving Rafael Nadal. Nazem Kadri has increased his tennis activity while playing with his daughter.

"A once-in-a-lifetime chance to see my guy play in the final," said Nelson, Avalanche center.

"I've been working on my game. There's always room for improvement. I've got to work on my serve but other than that, it looks pretty good," said Kadri, Avalanche forward.