DENVER — Cale Makar is known for deflecting not only puck shots but also conversations about personal milestones. This Colorado Avalanche defenseman is not one to seek the spotlight, even though he frequently finds himself in it.
Makar recently hit a new career milestone, scoring his 100th goal during a game on Saturday, making him the fifth-fastest defenseman to achieve this feat since the NHL’s 1943-44 season. He reached this impressive number in just 362 games. Only legendary defensemen like Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey, Ray Bourque, and Denis Potvin reached the milestone more quickly.
In true Makar style, he remained humble when acknowledging the upcoming achievement. Just two days prior to reaching 100 goals, the 26-year-old said, “It’s just another thing along the way. I don’t really look at (milestones) like that. I wish it would come and go.”
His teammates, however, are more than eager to sing his praises. Mikko Rantanen, a forward on the team who has seen Makar’s journey since he stepped onto the scene in the playoffs of 2018-19, remarked, “You kind of forget how special he actually is. He’s one of the best defensemen ever to play the game.”
With 101 career goals, including two scored in the recent game, along with 287 assists, Makar’s scoring average stands at an impressive 1.07 points per game. If he maintains this pace, he would rank among heavyweights like Orr and Coffey in terms of career points for defensemen in NHL history.
“I’m a little biased, but you’re watching one of the best defensemen that’s ever played the game,” stated coach Jared Bednar. He noted that while the league features a host of dynamic players, Makar is in a league of his own. Makar’s excellence was particularly evident when he was named the Most Valuable Player during the Stanley Cup playoffs, leading the Avalanche to victory in 2022.
Makar is also heavily relied upon during games, averaging an impressive 25 minutes and 37 seconds of ice time per game, ranking him third in the NHL. “The things he does on the ice are incredible,” said fellow defenseman Keaton Middleton. “He’s truly one of a kind.”
Middleton respects Makar’s advice, especially in offensive situations, as he aims to net his first NHL goal. “If he’s saying, ‘Try and shoot here,’ I’m going to listen to him. I’m trying to learn as much as I can,” Middleton explained. “I’m not going to copy him, since that’s not my role. But I can certainly learn from his skill and knowledge.”
Makar showcased his skills when he netted his 100th career goal during a power play in a game that saw the Avalanche defeat the Dallas Stars 6-3. Makar orchestrated the play from the point before receiving a return pass from Nathan MacKinnon, leading to a stunning wrist shot past Dallas goaltender Casey DeSmith.
“It’s quite impressive,” Coach Bednar commented on Makar reaching yet another milestone. “We’ve been discussing for years how effortlessly he hits these milestones and the rapid pace at which he accomplishes them.”
Scheduled to represent Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament next month, Makar has already recorded his fifth 50-point season, a record for a defenseman in the franchise’s history. Additionally, he kicked off the season with a 13-game point streak, marking the second-longest start by a defenseman in NHL history, only behind Orr’s 15-game streak in the 1973-74 season.
“It’s fun to watch,” Middleton reflected. “I’m not sure what other words can describe him. I guess I need to find a thesaurus.”
