Cale Makar

Early Life and Junior Career

Cale Douglas Makar was born on October 30, 1998, in Calgary, Alberta, to parents Gary Makar and Laura MacGregor. He was named after former NHL defenceman Cale Hulse. Makar's early hockey development took place within the local Crowchild Blackhawks minor hockey program before he advanced to play bantam hockey with the Northwest Calgary Athletic Association Bruins and the Calgary Flames. His talent was recognized early when he was drafted in the eighth round, 164th overall, by the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. Choosing to preserve his eligibility for United States college hockey, Makar instead pursued a path through the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He joined the Brooks Bandits as an affiliate player at the end of the 2014-15 season, a move that set the stage for his junior career.

Makar quickly became a star for the Brooks Bandits, establishing himself as an offensive force from the blue line. In his first full AJHL season in 2015-16, the 17-year-old defenceman recorded 55 points in 54 games, earning AJHL All-League and All-Rookie honours. His performance was instrumental in leading the Bandits to an AJHL championship, and he was recognized with the RBC Cup Top Defenceman, Top Scorer, and Most Valuable Player awards. The following 2016-17 season was even more remarkable, as Makar led all AJHL defencemen and finished sixth in overall league scoring with 75 points in 54 games. He captured the league's MVP and top defenceman awards, helped Brooks win a second consecutive AJHL title, and became the first player ever to win back-to-back RBC Cup MVP awards. His outstanding play earned him the prestigious RBC National Junior A Player of the Year Award, cementing his status as a top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft.

Collegiate Success and Hobey Baker Award

Honouring a commitment made in August 2015, Makar enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to play for the UMass Minutemen in the NCAA's Hockey East conference for the 2017-18 season. As a freshman, he immediately assumed a top-pairing role, recording his first collegiate point in his debut and finishing the season with 21 points in 34 games. His adaptation to the collegiate level earned him Hockey East All-Rookie and Third All-Star Team selections, as well as co-Rookie of the Year honours from the New England Hockey Writers Association. Despite interest from the Colorado Avalanche to turn professional after his freshman year, Makar chose to return for his sophomore season to continue his development. This decision proved to be a major factor in his career, as the 2018-19 season saw Makar and the Minutemen program achieve historic success.

In his second collegiate season, Makar emerged as one of the best players in the nation. He led the Hockey East conference in scoring and was named the Hockey East Player of the Year, the first Minuteman to receive that honour. His dominant two-way play made him a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top player in NCAA men's ice hockey. On April 12, 2019, Makar was announced as the winner of the Hobey Baker Award. The following night, his collegiate career concluded as UMass advanced to the national championship game but fell 3-0 to the University of Minnesota Duluth in the Frozen Four final. Makar's collegiate tenure, though brief, fundamentally changed the UMass program and prepared him for an immediate impact in the NHL.

NHL Career and Accolades

The Colorado Avalanche selected Makar with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, making him the highest-drafted player ever to come directly from the AJHL. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Avalanche on April 14, 2019, and made an unforgettable debut the very next day. In Game 3 of the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs against his hometown Calgary Flames, Makar scored a goal on his first shot in the NHL, becoming the first defenceman to score a playoff goal in his league debut. He joined the Avalanche full-time for the 2019-20 season and immediately established himself as an elite offensive defenceman. Makar set a new Avalanche franchise record for goals by a rookie defenceman with 12 and led all NHL rookies in points per game. His outstanding season was capped by winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's rookie of the year.

Makar's ascent continued rapidly. In the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, he helped the Avalanche win the Presidents' Trophy and was named a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, finishing second in the voting. He signed a six-year, $54 million contract extension on July 24, 2021, ahead of a career-defining 2021-22 campaign. He won his first Norris Trophy as the league's best defenceman and finished eighth in Hart Trophy voting. More importantly, he led the Avalanche on a dominant run through the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. Makar set a record for points by a defenceman in the first four games of a postseason and finished the playoff run with a team-leading 29 points, the fourth-most by a defenceman in a single postseason in NHL history. After the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the Stanley Cup, Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, joining an exclusive group of defencemen to win the Norris and Conn Smythe in the same season.

Subsequent seasons have seen Makar solidify his status as a perennial Norris Trophy contender and record-setter. He was a Norris Trophy finalist for six consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2026. He won the Norris Trophy in 2022 and again in 2025, marking his second win on his fifth nomination. Makar also set numerous records, including becoming the fastest defenceman to reach 200 career points in 195 games during the 2022-23 season. His offensive achievements include scoring 30 goals in the 2024-25 season, making him the ninth defenceman in NHL history to do so.

• Fastest defenceman to 200 points (195 games) in 2022-23.
• First career NHL hat trick on March 6, 2024, against Detroit.
• Scored 30 goals in the 2024-25 season, becoming the ninth defenceman in NHL history to do so.
• Won his second Norris Trophy on June 11, 2025.
• First defenceman since Phil Housley to score 20+ goals in three straight seasons (2023-24 to 2025-26).
• Recorded 500th career point on March 28, 2026, against Winnipeg.
• Signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension on August 28, 2026.

Makar has been a Norris Trophy finalist for six consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2026, a clear demonstration of his sustained excellence. He won the Norris Trophy in 2022 and 2025. He holds numerous Colorado Avalanche franchise records for defencemen. For example, he broke the team's single-season record for goals by a defenceman with 28 in the 2021-22 season. He also became the first Avalanche defenceman to record a hat trick since 1999 when he did so on March 6, 2024.

International Play

Makar has represented Canada with distinction at multiple levels of international competition. His first major international experience came at the World Junior A Challenge in 2015 and 2016, where he played for Canada West. He was named to the Tournament All-Star Team both years, winning a gold medal in 2015 and setting a tournament single-game record for points by a defenceman in 2016. Makar's next opportunity came at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he was a key member of Canada's gold-medal-winning team. He led all tournament defencemen with eight points in seven games and was named to the event's All-Tournament Team, the only Canadian so honoured. Following the World Juniors, Makar reportedly turned down an invitation to join Canada's senior team for the 2018 Winter Olympics to focus on his season at UMass.

After establishing himself in the NHL, Makar made his debut for Canada's senior national team at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. After missing one game due to illness, he returned to assist on Connor McDavid's overtime winning goal in the final against the United States, securing his first senior international gold medal. Makar was then named one of the first six players and an alternate captain for Canada's team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, the first Games to feature NHL players since 2014. Canada advanced to the gold medal game against the United States, where Makar scored the game-tying goal in the second period. The United States ultimately won 2-1 in overtime, with Canada settling for the silver medal. For his performance, Makar was named to the Olympic All-Star Team.

Playing Style and Impact

Cale Makar's playing style is defined by elite skating ability, exceptional hockey intelligence, and a unique capacity to generate offence from the defence position. He is renowned for his explosive acceleration, edgework, and agility, which allow him to move through all zones with ease, both in transitioning the puck out of his own zone and in joining or leading the rush. Makar possesses a highly accurate shot and superb passing vision, making him a dual threat on the power play and at even strength. Defensively, he uses his skating to maintain tight gaps against opposing forwards and his active stick to disrupt plays, though his offensive contributions are his most celebrated attribute. His style has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest offensive defencemen in NHL history and has fundamentally changed how the Avalanche attack is structured.

Makar's impact on the Colorado Avalanche franchise has been significant and wide-ranging. Since his arrival, the team has consistently been a championship contender, winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 and the Presidents' Trophy in 2021 and 2026. He forms the core of the team's defence alongside Devon Toews and is a central figure on a power-play unit featuring Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. His record-setting contract in 2026 reflects his immense value to the franchise. Beyond statistics, Makar is known for his sportsmanship, as evidenced by an incident in December 2022 where he convinced a referee to rescind a penalty mistakenly called against an opponent after he fell on his own. His combination of skill, character, and consistent high-level performance has cemented his reputation as one of the most influential players of his era.

Personal Life

Off the ice, Cale Makar maintains a strong connection to his family and his Calgary roots. He is of Ukrainian descent on his father's side and grew up as a fan of the Calgary Flames. His family includes his younger brother, Taylor Makar, who was drafted by the Avalanche in 2021 and signed an entry-level contract with the team in 2025 after playing at the University of Massachusetts. His cousin, Mark Logan, played college hockey at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and his father's cousin was former NHL player Tom Lysiak. Makar married his longtime girlfriend, Tracy Evans, in August 2024. The couple welcomed twin sons in October 2026. Despite his fame and success, Makar is often described by teammates and coaches as humble and dedicated, with his focus remaining squarely on his performance and contributions to his team's success.

Career Statistics and Records

Cale Makar's career statistics through the 2025-26 NHL season illustrate his extraordinary offensive production from the blue line. He finished the 2024-25 season with 92 points in 80 games, ranking ninth in overall league scoring. In the 2025-26 season, he scored his 500th career point. His point-per-game pace is among the highest for a defenceman in the modern era, as evidenced by him reaching 200 points in a record 195 games. He also scored 20 goals in three consecutive seasons from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

Makar holds several significant NHL and franchise records that highlight his unique achievements. He is the fastest defenceman to reach 200 career points, achieving the milestone in just 195 games. For the Colorado Avalanche, he holds the franchise records for most career goals, assists, and points by a defenceman. He also set Avalanche rookie records for a defenceman with 12 goals, 38 assists, and 50 points in the 2019-20 season. Makar is the first defenceman since Phil Housley to score 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons from 2023-24 to 2025-26. His 30-goal campaign in 2024-25 made him one of only nine defencemen in NHL history to reach that mark.

Awards and Honours

Throughout his career, Cale Makar has accumulated a remarkable collection of individual and team awards. In the NHL, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year in 2020. He has won the James Norris Memorial Trophy twice, in 2022 and 2025. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP and the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. In junior hockey, he won the RBC National Junior A Player of the Year Award and back-to-back RBC Cup MVP awards in 2016 and 2017.

• Calder Memorial Trophy (NHL Rookie of the Year), 2020
• James Norris Memorial Trophy (NHL Best Defenceman), 2022, 2025
• Conn Smythe Trophy (NHL Playoff MVP), 2022
• Stanley Cup Champion, 2022 with Colorado
• Hobey Baker Award (NCAA Top Player), 2019
• RBC National Junior A Player of the Year, 2017
• IIHF World Junior Championship Gold Medal, 2018
• 4 Nations Face-Off Gold Medal, 2025
• Olympic Silver Medal, 2026
• Olympic All-Star Team, 2026

Makar has been a finalist for the Norris Trophy six consecutive times from 2021 to 2026, winning it in 2022 and 2025. He was also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award in 2025. His junior awards include multiple AJHL MVP and top defenceman honours. He won the AJHL MVP and top defenceman awards in the 2016-17 season. He also won back-to-back RBC Cup MVP awards in 2016 and 2017, and the RBC National Junior A Player of the Year Award in 2017.

Questions about Cale Makar

What trophies has Cale Makar won?

Cale Makar has won several of the NHL's most prestigious individual and team awards. He captured the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie in 2020. He has won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman twice, in 2022 and again in 2025. His most celebrated team achievement came in 2022 when he helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, and he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the entire playoffs that same year. Internationally, he won a gold medal at the 2018 World Junior Championships and a gold medal at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off with the senior national team.

How many points does Cale Makar have?

Through the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL regular season, Cale Makar has recorded 428 career points, comprising 116 goals and 312 assists. His offensive production is remarkable for a defenceman, often placing him among the league's overall scoring leaders. He reached the 500-point milestone during the 2025-26 season with an assist in a game against the Winnipeg Jets on March 28, 2026. Makar's best statistical season to date was 2024-25, where he posted 30 goals and 62 assists for 92 points, finishing ninth in league scoring.

What is Cale Makar's contract with the Avalanche?

On August 28, 2026, Cale Makar signed an eight-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche. The total value of the contract is $163.2 million, with an average annual value of $20.4 million. At the time of signing, this was the most expensive contract in NHL history and the first to have an average annual value exceed $20 million. This extension begins with the 2027-28 season, following the final year of his previous six-year, $54 million deal which he signed in 2021.

Has Cale Makar played in the Olympics?

Yes, Cale Makar represented Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, which marked the return of NHL players to the Olympic tournament. He was one of the first six players named to the team and served as an alternate captain. Canada advanced to the gold medal game against the United States, where Makar scored a second-period goal to tie the game. The United States ultimately won 2-1 in overtime, with Canada earning a silver medal. For his performance, Makar was named to the Olympic All-Star Team.

What college did Cale Makar go to?

Cale Makar attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he played two seasons of NCAA Division I hockey for the UMass Minutemen from 2017 to 2019. In his sophomore season, he had a spectacular year, leading the Hockey East conference in scoring and being named the Hockey East Player of the Year. The pinnacle of his collegiate career came when he won the Hobey Baker Award on April 12, 2019, as the top player in NCAA men's ice hockey. The day after winning the award, his team lost in the national championship game.

Is Cale Makar related to any other hockey players?

Yes, Cale Makar is related to other hockey players. His younger brother, Taylor Makar, is a prospect for the Colorado Avalanche, having been drafted by the team in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL entry draft and signing an entry level contract with them in March 2025 after three seasons with the UMass Minutemen. His father's cousin was Tom Lysiak, a former NHL centre. Makar also has a cousin named Mark Logan who played college hockey at the Rochester Institute of Technology from 2015 to 2019. These family connections highlight a background immersed in the sport.

Sources and further reading

• Cale Makar (Wikipedia)
• Cale Makar, Team Canada, Olympic.ca (olympic.ca)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-19.