Avalanche prepare for preseason opener against Mammoth with key players sitting out

The Colorado Avalanche are set to host the Utah Mammoth in their opening preseason game on Sunday at Ball Arena. Head coach Jared Bednar plans to field mostly NHL regulars during the home games, while some veterans are likely to rest for the road games. Goaltender Ilya Nabokov, forwards Nikita Prischepov, Taylor Makar, and defenseman Alex Gagne will play in both games, having received a day off on Saturday. Cale Makar remains in a red non-contact jersey and will not participate in the games; he is expected to skate independently before potentially joining the team for special teams work on Tuesday and Wednesday. Other key players, including Nathan MacKinnon, are likely to sit out the preseason matchups.

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