Canada's Cale Makar will be game-time decision vs. USA

Canada's Cale Makar will be a game-time decision for Saturday's showdown against the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Makar participated in Saturday's morning skate after missing Friday's practice due to illness.

The Colorado Avalanche defenceman told reporters that he's "feeling better" than he did on Friday, but will make a decision with the bigger picture in mind.

“That'll be a game-time decision,” Canada's head coach Jon Cooper said Saturday morning. “But trust me, this won't be a situation (where) we ever put Cale Makar in harm's way. So if he's in the lineup, he'll be good to go."

The NHL and NHLPA agreed Friday morning to allow Thomas Harley to join Canada's workouts in Montreal in case Makar is not able to go Saturday. Harley was at practice on Saturday but was not allowed to skate because Makar was on the ice.

Harley was scheduled to meet Canada in Boston, where the team faces Finland on Monday, after defenceman Shea Theodore sustained a tournament-ending injury during Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over Sweden. He is considered a standby defenceman in case of another injury.

Canada was allowed to put a player or two "on notice" after the Theodore injury.

Makar played a game-high 28:06 in ice time during Wednesday's win to kick off the event. He finished with an even plus/minus, recorded two shots on goal and blocked three shots.

The 2021-22 Norris Trophy winner skated with his Avalanche defence partner Devon Toews.

"He was pretty sick last game too, and he didn't look it,” said Canada forward Nathan MacKinnon, who also plays for the Avalanche. “He's so mentally tough that nothing phases that guy. He's the best defenceman in the world, so him at 80 (per cent) is better than almost everybody anyway.”

"But I'm not gonna sit here and say if he's 80 per cent we're gonna put him in,” added Cooper.

Makar, 26, leads all NHL defencemen in scoring this season with 22 goals and 63 points in 57 games.

— With files from The Canadian Press