Written By: Matthew Conciatori
Edited By: Cameron Schoffro
After being drafted fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and winning the Calder Memorial Trophy with an outstanding 50 points in 57 games, Cale Makar is undoubtedly on track for Norris Trophy contention in his second NHL season for the Colorado Avalanche.
The 22-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, is one of the best skaters in the NHL, Cale combines the offensive talent of a star forward with the defensive awareness of a stud defenceman. Makar is an exceptional quarterback on Colorado's star-studded power play, he facilitates the puck in a timely matter with his world-class passing skills. However, that is only one aspect of his well-rounded game. Watching this heck of an athlete play is mesmerizing, as he fills the highlight-reel on a nightly basis.
As he has already played one full season in the NHL, it is time to look at Makar and his different abilities that set him apart from the competition.
Skating
Listed at 5’11 and 187 pounds, Makar seems a bit undersized although continues to impress hockey fans with his outstanding skating ability. Either offensively or defensively, Makar is quick on his skates in both directions. One key when watching Makar skate is his capability of accelerating almost like McDavid. Makar has great lateral mobility and can cover a ton of ice which his pivots are always clean. Makar cannot be labelled as an offensive or defensive player exactly, he can truly pinch deep when it counts, join the rush and also get back defensively. During his years in the AJHL before getting drafted, Makar looked to not make many chances, he surely took advantage in his rookie season and continues to make those chances without any fear. He is built strong as he has good core strength and balance which is hard for opponents to knock him off the puck.
Offensive Game
In terms of shooting the puck, Makar has a stellar wrist shot paired with a decent slap shot. If Makar were to gain 10-15 pounds, his slapshot could become a lethal weapon for the Avalanche to take his game to the next level. His offensive skating is strong as he walks the line with ease to open up passing and shooting lanes. Makar can read plays well in terms of understanding how to get his shot through traffic. He can put the puck anywhere he wants to, helping teammates set up screens, make deflections, and finish on rebounds. His stickhandling skills are absurd, as he can rush the puck from end to end while looking so calm carrying the puck with defenders surrounding him. Makar has a high hockey IQ and makes smart plays with or without the puck. In addition to his excellent passing skills and tremendous vision, Makar is a serious threat to other teams, he is crucial to the offensive firepower of the Colorado Avalanche; defending players need to keep an eye on him in the offensive zone, on top of some of the best forwards in the NHL.
Defensive Game
In defensive coverage, Makar knows where he needs to be and when he needs to be there. On opposing breakouts, he is effective in gap control by taking away the opponent’s time and space when he angles attackers outside with ease. In regard to his stick play, it is very quick against opposing forwards which makes it easy for Makar to poke check and create those turnovers into offensive chances. If Makar gets the puck off the poke check, he can easily transition it out of his zone and start the attack with big names on his team, such as Nathan McKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. As previously mentioned, he is only 5'11" and 187 pounds, which means he is not the most physical defenceman on the ice. He may look to further develop this aspect of his game in the offseason while ensuring he does not sacrifice his speed.
Highlights
The statistics below are some of Cale Makar’s best games from his rookie season that eventually resulted in him winning the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Certainly, Cale Makar has lived up to his potential as a 4th overall draft selection. He is currently in the last year of his rookie deal and will become a restricted free agent next summer. Most likely, the Avalanche will retain him and reward his exceptional play with a payday. His value probably sits around 5.6-5.9 million, perhaps even higher if he seeks a long-term deal. Although, the COVID-19 aftermath causes salary cap complications all across the league, players may need to accommodate their team's cap space if they want to contend for a Stanley Cup.
The Colorado Avalanche currently sits in third in the West Division with four games in hand on the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the St. Louis Blues, who lead them in the standings.
Matthew Conciatori
2nd Year Honours Political Science
References:
- “Cale Makar Stats, Profile, Bio, Analysis and More: Colorado Avalanche: The Sports Forecaster.” NHL News, Stats, Standings, and More on The Sports Forecaster, www.sportsforecaster.com/nhl/player/16416.
- Kerr, By: Ben. “Cale Makar Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #7.” Last Word on Sports, 18 Feb. 2021, lastwordonsports.com/2017/04/07/cale-makar-scouting-report-2017-nhl-draft-9/
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