The offensive statistics for Cale Makar and Devon Toews are impressive across many different metrics. Starting with the 40 goals, 96 assists, and 106 points between the two of them last season, they dominated the offensive zone. But, unlike many other top defensive pairs, they also put up solid defensive numbers to complement the gaudy offensive ones.
Puck possession
The foundation of the Avalanche‘S system is to prevent their opposition from having extended time with the puck. The skating skill of Cale Makar and DevonToews combined with their gap control and active sticks make it difficult for other players to carry the puck into the offensive zone and sets the Avs up for a quick strike the other way.
If there is one area that they could improve upon, it would be challenging the puck carrier when the other team does manage to gain the zone. Too often they sit back, try to fill the passing lanes, and wait for the other team to commit to a play. Because of their strong stick work and ability to play the angles, it would be great to see them take the puck carrier’s time and space away, forcing him to move the puck and giving the Avs a better chance to create and recover turnovers and move the puck back in the other direction.
Behind the numbers
When looking at Makar and Toews’ defensive numbers on Natural Stat Trick, they appear to have above average stats, but nothing particularly spectacular. Among the 62 defensive pairs with 500 or more minutes of 5v5 ice time together, Makar and Toews rank 12th in ice time per game and 22nd in defensive zone starts. In those games, the Avs when that duo is on the ice rank 7th in Corsi (shot attempts) against, 12th in shots against, 14th in scoring chances against, 36th in high danger chances against, 18th in expected goals against, and 19th in goals against. (All these rankings are based on a “per 60” rate). While these numbers might not seem as impressive as one would expect, it is important to keep in mind the context that Makar and Toews are consistently deployed against other teams’ top lines, whereas many of the other pairs that rank above them do not.
Are Cale Makar and Devon Toews the best 200-ft d-pair in the NHL? 🤔 #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/PD8Jybqvkl
— Katie Bartlett (@AvsCanesFan) September 7, 2025
Trusted on the penalty kill
Most of the top defensive pairs in the league do not see time on the penalty kill because their skills do not translate well to the heavy defensive lifting required. But that is not so for Makar and Toews.
In fact, they are usually the first pair Bednar puts out for the faceoff in the defensive zone to start the penalty kill. Last season, they averaged one minute and forty-eight seconds per game on the penalty kill, the most of any d-pair on the Avs. Of the twenty-nine d-pairs that logged at least eighty minutes on the penalty kill last season, Makar and Toews had the 17th-most time on ice per game according to Natural Stat Trick. Among the teams with those twenty-nine pairs on the ice for the PK, the Avs‘ penalty kill with Makar and Toews ranked 8th in Corsi (shot attempts) against, 19th in shots against, 16th in expected goals against, and 7th in goals against. Most of the defensive pairs ranked ahead of Makar and Toews are penalty kill specialists or a shutdown pairing with little to no offensive upside at 5v5.
The offensive stats for Makar and Toews will always gain the most attention from fans and media alike. They drive play and create many highlight reel passes and goals night in and night out. But their solid defensive contribution often gets overlooked and underappreciated in the meantime. Moving into the 2025-2026 season, their continued contributions at both ends of the ice will be imperative for the success of the Colorado Avalanche.