Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is only 26, and he’s already put together a remarkable résumé. Avs fans are hoping that the 2025-26 season could be his finest yet.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) in the third period against the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesIsaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The former fourth overall pick has twice captured the James Norris Memorial Trophy and was named to the end-of-season NHL All-Star team in five of his first six seasons. He walked away with the Calder Trophy in his 2019-20 rookie season and snagged the Conn Smythe Trophy after tallying 29 points in 20 games in helping Colorado to the 2022 Stanley Cup championship.
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Across six seasons, Makar has averaged 89 points over 82 regular season games. Last season, he became the first NHL defenseman to record 30 goals in a single season since Mike Green lit the lamp 31 times for the 2008-09 Washington Capitals.
Pronger Was the Last Defenseman To Earn Hart-Norris Double
Feb 8, 2020; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Former St. Louis Blues defenseman Chris Pronger (44) waves to fans after it was announced that the Blues would retire his jersey next year prior to a game against the Dallas Stars at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
2025-26 could be the year that Makar accomplishes a rare award double that no defenseman has achieved since 2000. Chris Pronger was the last blue liner to win both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the James Norris Memorial Trophy in the same season as a member of the 1999-2000 St. Louis Blues.
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Makar continues to get better and better with every passing season. In addition to last year’s 30 goals being a career high, he also became the first defenseman to register consecutive 90-point seasons since Al MacInnis and Paul Coffey. His 12 power play goals, two short-handed goals and 246 shots on goal also marked career bests.
Makar Could Become NHL’s First 100-Point Defenseman Since 2022-23
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8).Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
What separates Makar from blue liners across the league is his ability to find open spaces to get into prime shooting positions. Perhaps this could be the season where he breaks 100 points. The most recent defenseman to record 100 points was Erik Karlsson, when he notched 101 points as a member of the San Jose Sharks.
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Makar is the definition of a “do everything” defenseman. His skating ability is all-world; he excels at joining the rush and breezing past defenders. He hits hard and has a bit of a mean streak. His exceptional reading of the game means that he’s a step ahead of everyone on the ice.
Given all the value that Makar brings to the Avs on a nightly basis, it wouldn’t be surprising if he adds a Hart-Norris Trophy double to his trophy haul.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.