MacKinnon out vs. Canucks, could miss rest of regular season

Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon was unable to suit up against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday due to a minor injury.

Head coach Jared Bednar noted before the contest that the ailment could cause MacKinnon to miss the remainder of the regular season, according to Colorado Hockey Now's Aarif Deen.

Rest before the playoffs is a factor in MacKinnon's absence, Bednar said, according to Guerilla Sports' Meghan Angley. The center will decide whether he plays before Colorado's season concludes Sunday.

The defending Hart Trophy winner is currently tied for the NHL lead in scoring with 116 points. MacKinnon hasn't won the Art Ross Trophy in his career.

The Avalanche are likely to play the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.