Nothing is wrong with Cale Douglas Makar. He's still the same player. It's just that he has to be a different version of the one who won the Conn Smythe, Norris Trophy and Stanley Cup all within a matter of weeks last season.
These days, the Colorado Avalanche are more of an infirmary than a juggernaut. A year ago, they were atop the Central Division standings with the best record in the Western Conference through 38 games. This year, they are two points out of the final wild-card spot (although they have games in hand).