It’s easy to forget that Cale Makar is just 23 years old. As a new season is here, it’s exciting to see what levels he could reach. The star defenseman is coming from a season that had it all.
He didn’t just win the Stanley Cup. He also won the Conn Smythe, given to the playoff MVP. He was the main factor in Avalanche winning their first Cup in 20 years, and during the summer, he also won the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman during the regular season.
Makar is a huge favorite to win the Norris again this year, and some experts are even suggesting that he could win the Hart Trophy. The Hart is given to the NHL’s MVP, and a defenseman hasn’t won it since Chris Pronger won the award in 1999-2000. Before him, Bobby Orr was the last defenseman to win the Hart back in 1971-72.
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That means just two defensemen have won it in 50 years, but Makar could be the third if he continues to play as he did during the spring.
And he’s already off to a flying start. The Colorado Avalanche opened their NHL season against the Chicago Blackhawks last night, and Makar stepped up with two assists. But he also did something that got fans gasping. He got the puck at the offensive blue line in the first period.
Tyler Johnson was coming up against him, but he stood absolutely no chance as Makar just blew past him, and it was a classic example of an ankle breaker. We rarely see dangles like that in the NHL, and fans were going wild on social media.
”Cale Makar is a monster, those ankles had a body,” said one user on Reddit.
”Another pair of ankles for his wall,” said another one.
”I legitimately gasped when this happened,” said another.
Fans also say it’s unfair to have Cale Makar in the league. With moves and speed like that, we understand it. But we also love to see it. What a player!
