Cale Makar, the Colorado Avalanche's star defenseman, has once again proven he is among the NHL's elite players by achieving his third 20-goal season at just 26 years of age. Makar reached this impressive milestone during the Avalanche's thrilling 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome on February 7, 2025. Makar has quickly established himself as one of the foremost names in hockey, continuing to climb the ranks as he showcases his incredible talent game after game.
Not only did Makar score his 20th goal of the season, but he also added an assist, giving him 60 points in 56 games this season. If he maintains this pace, he is on track for about 87.8 points by the season's end—a remarkable statistic for any defenseman. Last season, he achieved his career high with 90 points. His performance has placed him at the top of the points leaderboard among defensemen for the 2024-25 season, where he leads all defensemen with both goals and points.
"I don’t know if those will really hit me until I’m done playing," Makar remarked about his accomplishments. "It’s just a testimony to the guys I’ve been playing with, guys who give me good passes and you try to put yourself in good positions to score.” Makar's contributions do not go unnoticed, and with continued success, he looks poised to earn his second Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman this season.
Notably, Makar joins elite company within the NHL, becoming only the eighth defenseman in league history to record three or more 20-goal campaigns within their first six seasons. His list of predecessors includes hockey legends such as Paul Coffey and Bobby Orr. Remarkably, he is the first defenseman since Brian Leetch to achieve this feat before turning 27. Coach Jared Bednar praised Makar's talent and potential, stating, "He’s going to be one of the best all time when it’s all said and done." This high praise from his coach only adds to the accolades surrounding Makar's budding career.
The recent game against the Flames featured other outstanding performances as well. Forward Martin Necas, acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes, dazzled with two goals and one assist, showcasing his integration with the Avalanche. Makar spoke highly of Necas, stating, "I think he’s going to be a star. You can see he thinks the game well, skates fast." The Avalanche are clearly excited about Necas's potential and integration as they look to make a push for the playoffs.
The Avalanche team collectively turned the tide after struggling early in the match. After going down 1-0 when the Flames scored on a 5-on-3 power play, Makar quickly countered, tying the game at 1-1 with his milestone goal early in the second period. Artturi Lehkonen then added another goal, with Necas sealing the lead by sending two past Flames’ goalie Dustin Wolf. Makar's impact on the game is evident, as quoted by Necas: "Cale got us going just like always. Then we dominated."
The Avalanche secured their victory, improving to 32-22-2 as they look to leap forward through the remainder of the season. Makar's achievement has not only underscored his talent but also signaled to fans and analysts alike just how pivotal he has been to the Avalanche’s strong showing this season. He leads all defensemen with 60 points, edging out Vancouver's Quinn Hughes by mere points. The buzz around Makar's capability—both offensively and defensively—is growing louder as his career progresses.
Reflecting on the game’s momentum, Coach Bednar noted, "I thought our leadership group did a nice job of getting their guys back on track because the first period was ugly and then it seemed like we had complete domination later on." This leadership and ability to adapt—to bounce back from adversity—is what has characterized the Avalanche's play this season, and Makar's steady presence is integral to their success.
Overall, Makar's third personal milestone of 20 goals not only adds to his impressive stats but also signifies who he is becoming both as a player and leader within the Avalanche community. The team is rallying around Makar's accomplishments, and with the season still underway, there's no telling how high he can reach. The accolades are well-earned, and his place among NHL greats is more secure with each game he plays.
Fans are eager to see how Makar will continue to develop and lead the Avalanche as they make their playoff push, and excitement surrounds the prospect of watching him chase even more milestones. With his talent, drive, and the support of his teammates, the future looks incredibly bright for Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche.