Cale Makar was once again a shining star for the Colorado Avalanche this past season, setting new career highs and continuing to move expectations higher and higher for his future in the league.
Makar’s season was highlighted by offensive production, as he became the first defenseman to score 30 goals in a season in 16 years. He provided his typical Makar flare, but scoring 30 goals is a feat to be celebrated, and it’ll likely be rewarded with Makar taking home his second Norris trophy as the league’s top defenseman later this month.
Colorado originally drafted Makar fourth overall in 2017 and he debuted the next season during the playoffs. The Calgary native played his first regular season game the year after that (2019-20) and his performance has been stellar ever since.
Offensively, as already touched on, Makar is second to none in the league and is quickly rising to a projection of being mentioned with all-time greats. This season was his best yet.
Makar played 80 games this season, a career high, scored 30 goals and added 62 assists for 92 points. Those 92 points were the highest for a defenseman and ninth overall in the league.
Cale had a plus-28 rating, meaning he was on the ice for 28 more goals scored than scored against, and he potted a career high 12 power play goals this season. Makar also added a career high two shorthanded goals.
Number eight took 246 shots on goal this season, a career high, and succeeded at a 12.2% rate, also both highest in his career.
Makar succeeded defensively as well. He plays on the top pair alongside Devon Toews, and they usually see the opposition’s best line. Makar had 128 blocked shots this year, which made burgundy and blue nation nervous, as blocked shots sometimes lead to injury.
Cale had 51 hits this season, third best of his career. He had 60 takeaways as well. Although it’s clear he is an offensive dynamo, he doesn’t neglect the defensive aspect of his position.
The lone negative aspect of Makar’s season was his playoff performance, and he’s not alone there. Whenever a team has higher expectations than losing a first round series, there is plenty to look at, and it’s usually looking at the star players initially.
Makar was not his usual self in the playoffs, scoring only five points in seven games. Worse yet, he scored only one goal. The Avalanche needed more production from him and didn’t get it.
That shouldn’t mar what was an unbelievable season overall that included many accomplishments. Career highs in many offensive categories highlighted this season, and although it ended too soon, Avs nation realizes they have a generational player on their roster.
Grade: A
Makar checked off all the boxes needed for a Norris Trophy-caliber season. He is the presumptive winner as he looks to lead the Colorado Avalanche back to the Stanley Cup Final next season.