Cale Makar is a prominent Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected fourth overall by the Avalanche in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Makar quickly established himself as a formidable player. After two successful seasons with the UMass Minutemen in the NCAA, he made his NHL debut in the 2019-20 season, where he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential from the outset.

In his second season, Makar continued to impress, earning a nomination for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defenceman. He achieved this accolade in the 2021-22 season, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the NHL. Makar played a pivotal role in leading the Avalanche to victory in the 2022 Stanley Cup, where he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs, further highlighting his impact on the ice.

Makar’s international career is equally impressive, having represented Canada at the junior level and winning gold at the 2018 World Junior Championships. His contributions to the team were significant, as he led all defencemen in scoring during the tournament, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

Throughout his career, Makar has been recognized for his dynamic skating and offensive capabilities, making him a standout player in the modern NHL. His achievements, including multiple Norris Trophy nominations and a record-setting pace for points among defencemen, underscore his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking him as one of the brightest stars in ice hockey today.