Avs' Makar returns vs. Wild following 8-game absence

Cale Makar is officially back.

The rookie defenseman returned to the lineup against the Minnesota Wild on Friday after missing the club's previous eight games with an upper-body injury.

Makar suffered the ailment against the Boston Bruins on Dec. 7 after taking a heavy hit from forward Brad Marchand behind his net.

The 21-year-old blue-liner recorded eight goals and 28 points through 29 games before sustaining the injury and remains a leading candidate for the Calder Trophy.

Colorado weathered the storm in his absence, posting a 4-3-1 record. The Avalanche occupy the second spot in the Central Divison and enter Friday's action five points back of the first-place St. Louis Blues.