Jon Cooper Gіveѕ Mаѕѕіve Cаle Mаkаr Updаte for 4 Nаtіonѕ Cһаmpіonѕһіp

Team Canada's No. 1 defenseman was missing in action for the round-robin loss to the United States in the 2024 4 Nation's Face-Off.

His absence was discernible as Canada surrendered two tough goals in the 3-1 defeat.

Makar managed to return for Monday's must-win game against Finland. As he reunited with Colorado Avalanche teammate Devon Toews, the shut-down pairing propelled Canada to earn itself a visit to the title game and a redemption opportunity against the United States on Thursday in Boston.

Canada Needs Avalanche's Makar to Win 2025 4 Nations Face-Off - The Hockey Writers - Colorado Avalanche - NHL News, Analysis & More

Head coach Jon Cooper told reporters on Tuesday that he sees no reason why his top defenseman should not be available to play.

"He just glides out there," Cooper said of Makar after the clinching victory. "I was so glad to have him back."

The 26-year-old took the ice before Saturday’s game against the Americans but didn’t feel well enough to play in the 3-1 loss, later describing it as "one of the toughest decisions" of his career.

“I’ve got to do what’s, unfortunately, best for myself and make sure that I’m ready to go for the rest of the season,” Makar told The Athletic on Sunday. “It’s a really hard decision, but it’s definitely one that obviously everybody’s looking forward to for the entire season. That was a hard one, but I’ve got to make sure I get it right.”

Makar ranks second overall in the tournament for time on ice, averaging 26:02. His presence in the rematch of USA-Canada offers game-changing upside.

“The U.S. is such a skilled team,” Makar said. “In that game especially, they supported each other so well on the ice and then kind of broke us down in the neutral zone and then were able to get odd-man rushes a couple times. Those are just little things that we’ve got to maybe clean up.”

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Jon Cooper Gіveѕ Mаѕѕіve Cаle Mаkаr Updаte for 4 Nаtіonѕ Cһаmpіonѕһіp

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