MacKinnon out vs. Ducks after previously being deemed ready to play

Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon is out with an upper-body injury Friday, the team announced.

The club said earlier in the day that MacKinnon would be in the lineup against the Anaheim Ducks.

San Jose Sharks rookie Joachim Blichfeld caught the forward with a hit to the head Wednesday night. The NHL suspended Blichfeld for two games Thursday.

MacKinnon missed the final 12 minutes of Colorado's 4-0 win, but head coach Jared Bednar said postgame the perennial Hart Trophy candidate seemed to be fine.

The 25-year-old is tied for the club lead with 22 points and has posted a team-high 17 assists in 19 games.