NHL’s Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar missed Game 2 against the Golden Knights with an upper-body injury, according to ESPN, but Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, was sidelined for a second consecutive game after missing Game 1 with the same injury. Coach Jared Bednar noted the team experienced a “trickle-down effect” in his absence.

Team Adjustments and Injured Star

Makar, who was skating and performing drills on the ice for more than 30 minutes before the team’s optional morning skate, was listed as day-to-day, and he left the ice and returned to the dressing room 10 minutes before the skate but came back for the session. Makar’s return would restore the Avs’ top defensive pairing with Devon Toews and also allow him to rejoin the first-team power-play unit.

Makar initially left Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild holding his right arm after a collision but returned to help the team win in overtime; he also left Game 1 of that series after taking a hit along the boards. With Makar out. Bednar relied heavily on defensemen like Toews, Brett Kulak, Sam Malinski, Josh Manson, and Brent Burns — the oldest active player in the NHL this season.

Crypto Market Volatility and New Futures

The price of Avalanche (AVAX) stood at $9.49 USD as of the latest report, according to Changelly. The asset has shown mixed technical indicators, with a 37% bullish sentiment and a fear score of 28 on the Fear and Greed Index. Over the past 30 days, AVAX had 14 green days (47%) and a price volatility of 3.19%.

CME Group expanded its cryptocurrency derivative offerings by launching futures and micro-futures on Avalanche and Sui, according to DiarioBitcoin. These cash-settled contracts aim to provide both institutional and retail investors with new opportunities for diversification and risk management. The move followed the introduction of futures for Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar in February 2026.

Technical analysis from Traders Union noted that AVAX closed at $9.55 for the week, up 5.18% over seven days. However, it remains below its 20, 50, and 200-day moving averages, indicating continued selling pressure. Indicators like MACD and RSI showed bearish signals, and the price is expected to trade within a narrow range of $9.49 to $9.83 in the coming week.

Winter Safety and Avalanche Warnings

Backcountry travelers in Hokkaido are being warned of the dangers of avalanches and other winter hazards, according to a local government advisory. Areas outside ski resort boundaries are described as “untamed” and prone to sudden weather changes, snow cornices, and collisions with trees.

Visitors are advised to check weather and topography before entering the backcountry and to ensure they have a symbol, probe, and shovel. The prefectural government emphasized that sufficient knowledge, skills, and equipment are necessary to enjoy the backcountry safely.