Colorado Avalanche fans are spoiled being able to watch superstars every night. Nathan MacKinnon is arguably the best player in the world right now and new addition Martin Necas has been excellent since donning the burgundy and blue.
MacKenzie Blackwood has been a brick wall for the team since his arrival and Scott Wedgewood has been excellent while spelling Blackwood.
Defensively, the player who shines the most is obvious: superstar Cale Makar.
The Calgary native has been a dynamo since he came into the league, and his trophy case is already stacked so early in his career. He’s a Norris trophy winner, a Calder trophy winner and has won a Stanley Cup since 2020.
Makar hasn’t taken a step back. In fact, he’s thriving. Makar has 22 goals already this season, one more than last year’s total, in 20 less games. For reference, Makar finished with 90 points last season.
He’s not only putting the puck in the back of the net, but he’s also setting up his teammates. The 26-year-old has 41 assists this season as well. Makar also has a plus 18 plus/minus which means he’s been on the ice for 18 more goals scored than allowed. Keep in mind Makar also plays on the penalty kill.
Speaking of the penalty kill, Makar has a career-high two short-handed goals already this season. He’s also tied his career high in power play goals with nine this season. Cale’s shooting percentage is 12.6%, highest of his career. He’s also averaging 25:49 per game, the most in his career.
Makar plays defense too. He’s got 91 blocked shots this season, third most in his career. Avalanche fans likely cringe when they see that number being so high, and obviously if he gets hurt blocking a shot (which happens), Avs nation will voice their displeasure.
Makar has 41 hits this season as well, on pace to have a near best season in that category.
Makar is starting possessions in the defensive zone at the second highest rate of his career, 37.8% of the time. A number like that makes his offensive statistics much more impressive.
Makar’s puck control measurements are impressive as well. Makar’s Corsi For percentage (shots/blocks/misses) is 56.6%. This means the Avalanche control the puck 56.6% of the time Makar’s on the ice.
His Fenwick number shows similar positive possession time. Fenwick is a measurement of shots + misses of a team while a player is on the ice. The future hall of famer’s Fenwick For percentage is 55.9, meaning the Avalanche control the puck often while number 8 is on the ice.
Overall, Makar has been invaluable to the team. He’s the premier defenseman in the NHL and will continue to set records as his career continues. If he continues at the pace he’s on this season, he’ll set career highs in goals and assists. The Avalanche can’t afford to lose him, and his dynamic play makes the Avalanche a difficult team to beat.
Grade: A