Colorado Avalanche Top Player Rankings in NHL 23

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Jun 26, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) celebrates with the Stanley Cup after the Avalanche game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Cale Makar
Top 50 Ranking: #4
Overall Rating 94

Again, this seems like a no-brainer. I made the argument that Nathan MacKinnon could have been ranked #1 after the season he had, but it goes double for Cale Makar.

I mean, the guy did win the Norris, Conn Smythe, and a Stanley Cup all in one season, and there’s certainly no better defender in real life, let alone a video game. Makar’s top skills are his puck control and deking, which are both at a 97, followed by his offensive awareness at a 96. Honorable mentions go to passing (96) and defensive awareness at 95.

To most it might seem odd that a defensive juggernaut like Cale Makar would rank lower in defensive awareness but when you watch how often he sets up an offensive play, or scores himself, this rating in EA Sports NHL 23 makes a ton of sense. Makar’s lowest skill is his faceoff ability which comes in at a rating of 60. If Makar is taking faceoffs then your team is in a bad spot, or you’re playing a video game.

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