As the NHL turns its attention to the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2026, it’s worth looking at some possible future inductees.
For the Colorado Avalanche, there is one obvious name: Cale Makar.
At 28, Makar is still nowhere near the end of his career. He hasn't even reached 500 NHL regular-season games, a milestone that often helps put a player's accomplishments into perspective. But there's a compelling argument that he has already done enough to warrant a place in the Hall of Fame.
This isn't simply about projecting what Makar might accomplish over the next decade. His candidacy is already built on what he's done. And when you look at the hardware, individual recognition and impact of his peak, it's difficult to find much missing from the résumé.
Cale Makar already has a Hall of Fame résumé
A Hall of Fame worthy player begins with individual achievements and ends with team accomplishments.
So, let’s start with the hardware. Makar has won the Stanley Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, two Norris Trophies as the NHL's top defenseman and the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. That's an extraordinary collection of accolades for a player who has barely begun his eighth NHL season.
The individual recognition is just simply impressive. Makar has earned four First Team All-Star selections and two Second Team selections, while finishing among the top three in Norris Trophy voting in each of his first six seasons. Those aren't the credentials of a player who has simply enjoyed a few outstanding campaigns.
The achievements point to sustained dominance at a position where consistency is particularly difficult to maintain.
Then there's the impact of his peak. Makar has changed what teams can expect from an elite defenseman. He's an offensive driver, an exceptional skater and a player capable of controlling the pace of a game without sacrificing his responsibilities defensively. His production is remarkable, but the way he generates it is just as important.
According to NHL.com, Makar's 525 points through 485 games are the most by any active player with fewer than 500 appearances. He's also led all NHL defensemen in points per game since entering the league in 2019-20. That's an extraordinary level of production, particularly when you consider the competition he's faced during that stretch.
Of course, Makar has plenty of tread left on his tires.
He could add more Norris Trophies, another Stanley Cup or even challenge some of the league's historical benchmarks for defensemen.
His new eight-year extension in Colorado gives him a long runway to keep building on an already exceptional career.
But that's the point: Makar doesn't need those future accomplishments to make his Hall of Fame case. If anything, his current réesumé would suffice to qualify him as a Hall of Fame candidate.
Cale Makar could walk away from the NHL today, and still make a compelling argument for induction into the Hall of Fame. Since he’s unlikely to be walking away any time soon, Makar’s case for the Hall should only grow with time.
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