“Best back end in the NHL”: Analyst declares Colorado Avalanche as league’s best D

The Colorado Avalanche have the best defense core in the league, NHL analyst Thomas Hickey declares.

During an appearance on NHL Network published on August 4, Hickey delved into his picks for the NHL’s top five defense groups. The star power in the first four groups was nothing short of stunning.

The Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, and Florida Panthers ranked fived to two, respectively. Each group boasted some of the best blue liners in the league. But it was the top-ranked Colorado Avalanche that displayed the best mix of talent and physicality.

Hickey pointed out that Cale Makar and Devon Toews could be the best defensive duo in the NHL. He stated:

"Maybe that’s the best D-pair in the world."

Considering the raw power featured around the league, declaring the reigning Norris Trophy winner, Cale Makar, and partner Devon Toews as the best duo in the world is no joke. Makar ran away with the Norris Trophy last season, while Toews proved he’s among the top defensive blue liners in the game.

But the acclaim doesn’t stop there. Hickey lauded Brent Burns, projecting his presence as one that would improve Colorado’s defense. Hickey also compared Sam Malinski to Makar, albeit a lighter version of the world’s best blue liner.

And then, there was Samuel Girard and Josh Manson. Hickey proclaimed the duo as a strong combination of physicality and skill.

All told, Hickey summed up his thoughts by stating:

"Colorado, in my mind, has the best back end in the NHL."

Check out Hickey’s comments from the 7:15 mark onwards:

Cale Makar favorite for 2026 Norris Trophy

Cale Makar will be entering the 2025-26 season as the frontrunner for the Norris Trophy. Makar was a dominant force last season, scoring 30 goals and topping 90 points. Such numbers would be a career season for most forwards.

But for Makar, a defenseman, it’s mind-shocking. Makar became the first blue liner to score 30 goals in roughly three decades. He did so while playing solid defense and lining up against the opposition’s best players.

He also played a pivotal role in Team Canada’s gold medal at the 4 Nations Face-Off. With that sort of performance, it’s tough to discount Makar as the NHL’s best defenseman heading into next season.

He’ll face tough competition from the likes of Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars, or  Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. But at this point, the Norris Trophy is Makar’s to lose.

Barring an injury, Makar should continue to build on his impressive career resume. He’ll have the support of trusted partner Devon Toews, one of the world’s best in his own right. So, it’s tough to envisage anyone else wrestling the Norris away from Cale Makar.

If the Colorado Avalanche’s defense core plays out as Thomas Hickey described, the Avalanche could be poised for another Stanley Cup run.