Cale Makar

Cale Makar

24-Year-Old DefensemanD
Colorado Avalanche
2022 Fantasy Outlook
A legitimate generational talent from the back end, Makar led all NHL rearguards in goals this past season with 28, while finishing second to Nashville's Roman Josi in points with 86. Makar won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman before adding a Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP to his collection. Given all he has accomplished to date, it is important to remember Makar won't turn 24 years of age until late October and has just three full NHL seasons under his belt. It's scary to think what Makar's numbers might look like when all is said and done, but one thing that doesn't appear to be up for debate is the fact he deserves to be the top defender off the board in all fantasy leagues this coming fall, and perhaps a top-five player overall. Makar is that good. Read Past Outlooks
$Signed a six-year, $54 million contract extension with the Avalanche in July of 2021.
Adds two helpers in win
DColorado Avalanche
March 27, 2023
Makar logged two assists and four shots on goal in Monday's 5-1 win over the Ducks.
ANALYSIS
Makar helped out on tallies by Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin in this contest. This was Makar's fifth multi-point effort over his last seven games, a span in which he has two goals and 12 assists. For the season, the superstar defenseman is up to 66 points (30 on the power play), 172 shots on net, 77 blocked shots and a plus-16 rating through 58 outings.
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2018
2022 NHL Game Log
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2021 NHL Game Log
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2020 NHL Game Log
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2019 NHL Game Log
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2022–23 Time On Ice Stats
  • Average Time On Ice:
    26:26
  • Average Power Play TOI:
    4:01
  • Average Short-Handed TOI:
    2:43
 
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2020–21
24:19
4:11
0:55
2021–22
25:40
3:50
1:25
2022–23
26:26
4:01
2:43
Avalanche Depth Chart
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Avalanche Power Play Depth Chart
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Cale Makar See More
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3 days ago
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5 days ago
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8 days ago
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2021
2020
2019
2018
At just 22 years old, Makar is just getting going at the NHL level. He had a point-per-game effort with eight goals and 36 assists in 44 contests last season. He's emerged as an elite all-around defenseman and the lynchpin of the Avalanche's blue line. There's no doubt Makar could still improve as he enters his third NHL campaign, which will likely be the first one he has a chance to play a full 82-game slate. Assuming he doesn't miss too much time to injuries, the Alberta native has a realistic chance to top 60 points, with roughly 25 of them coming on the power play. He'll also be reliable in plus-minus rating and shot production, although he's only likely to put up modest totals in hits and blocked shots. He's a top-five blueliner already -- fantasy managers need not hesitate to draft him.
The reigning Calder Trophy winner was brilliant in his rookie season in 2019-20, scoring 50 points in 57 games. He came in with high expectations after making his NHL debut during the previous season's playoffs and still managed to smash them, transforming the Avalanche into one of the most feared offensive teams with his strong skating ability and elite wrist shot. Makar ranked seventh in even-strength points and 10th in power-play points among defensemen last year, and in the process established himself as the rare, top-tier, point-per-game defenseman in fantasy. There may be some hiccups along the way in his second season, but the upside is worth the risk, which means Makar will be one of the most sought-after defensemen in all fantasy formats.
The time is now for Makar, as the offseason departure of Tyson Barrie has fully paved the way for Colorado's 2017 fourth overall pick to emerge as a full-time NHLer. Lauded for his high hockey IQ and supreme awareness from the blue line, Makar deposited 21 goals and 49 assists between 75 games with UMass-Amherst over the last two seasons. The Avalanche figured he'd provide an offensive spark in the playoffs, so the Calgary native signed on the dotted line on a three-year, entry-level contract and proceeded to record six points through 10 postseason games, including the unforgettable achievement of becoming the first defenseman in history to score a playoff goal in his NHL debut. Naturally, there is a lot of hype surrounding Makar, and it's simply a race against time to acquire him at a reasonable price in the fantasy arena.
Makar has yet to sign his entry-level contract despite being selected fourth overall by the Avalanche in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, instead electing to return to UMass-Amherst after posting 21 points -- five goals and 16 assists -- and a plus-9 rating over 34 games last season. It wouldn't be a big surprise if he inks his professional contract immediately following the 2018-19 collegiate season, allowing him to get a small taste of professional hockey before the season concludes, but he mainly holds value in dynasty formats this season.
More Fantasy News
Leads Avalanche with three points
DColorado Avalanche
March 24, 2023
Makar (lower body) scored the game-winning goal and provided two assists in the Avalanche's 3-1 victory over Arizona on Friday.
ANALYSIS
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Back in action Friday
DColorado Avalanche
March 24, 2023
Makar (lower body) will return to the lineup Friday versus Arizona, Peter Baugh of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
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Won't play against Pens
DColorado Avalanche
Lower Body
March 22, 2023
Makar (lower body) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup with Pittsburgh but remains day-to-day, Kyle Fredrickson of The Denver Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
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Ruled out Monday
DColorado Avalanche
Lower Body
March 20, 2023
Makar suffered a lower-body injury against Detroit on Saturday and will be unavailable for Monday's matchup with Chicago, Ryan Boulding of NHL.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Plays four third-period shifts
DColorado Avalanche
March 19, 2023
Makar did not play over the final 11:43 of the third period in Saturday's 5-1 win over Detroit, Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now reports.
ANALYSIS
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