Team Canada named Colorado Avalanche blue liner Cale Makar as an alternate captain for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, USA Today reported.
Of course, Makar is a fine choice for Canada’s leadership group that features Pittsburgh Penguins legend Sidney Crosby as captain and Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid as the other alternate.
But frankly, I was surprised Nathan MacKinnon wasn’t included in that group. MacKinnon is as good a player and leader as anyone in the league. So, his omission from the leadership group was certainly surprising.
But when thinking more closely about it, it actually makes sense.
The only real debate was about naming either Crosby or McDavid as Team Canada captain. Canada made the right call in naming Crosby captain. The 4 Nations Face-Off is likely Crosby’s last major tournament. He’s 37 this season and may not be around by 2026 when the NHL will partake in the Winter Olympics.
That situation leaves the path clear for McDavid to captain Canada in arguably the largest stage for international ice hockey.
That being said, having Crosby, McDavid, and MacKinnon in the leadership group would have omitted Team Canada’s best blue liner from a leadership position. As such, Team Canada management got it right by giving Makar, a defenseman, one of the As.
Makar will do a fine job and will likely stand out among the other elite-level blue liners in the tourney like Victor Hedman, and Quinn Hughes.
Team Canada gives Makar vote of confidence
Getting named to Team Canada’s leadership group is a significant vote of confidence for Makar. It signals that he stands out among other elite-level blue liners.
Canada’s blue line oozes talent with Josh Morrisey, Colton Parayko, Shea Theodore, Travis Sanheim, and Devon Toews rounding out the group. A blue line like that, one where Theodore and Sanheim would be third-paring guys, is enough to make anyone come out of a coma.
But beyond the stacked blue line, getting an A on his sweater says that Canada believes Makar is the true leader of the group. As such, he’ll be counted upon to score and play solid defense. Makar’s contributions will become significant as he’ll face opponents like Auston Matthews, Aleksander Barkov, and former teammate Mikko Rantanen in one wave after another.
Overall, Cale Makar will likely turn heads at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He will be one of the most-watched players on the ice and will have the best chance to become a difference-maker on the ice. A good showing will certainly boost Makar’s standing with Norris Trophy voters.