Avalanche fans could witness something historic from their star defenseman this upcoming season
Photo credit: Icons Sportswire
Colorado Avalanche fans could witness history as star defenseman Cale Makar not only aims for new milestones this 2025-26 NHL season but also prepares to represent Canada for the first time at the Winter Olympics this winter.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics heading to Milan, Team Canada will rely on Makar to anchor its blue line against the world's best.
Cale Makar prepares to lead Team Canada to Olympic gold this winter.
Karen Zehner from Inside the Rink writes that Makar's NHL journey began in 2017 when the Avalanche selected him fourth overall. He debuted during the 2019 playoffs, scoring in his first game, and won the Calder Trophy in his first full season.
Since then, he's only raised the bar, adding a Norris Trophy, a Conn Smythe, and two Stanley Cups while serving as an alternate captain for Colorado.
"Team Canada gains more than just skill with Makar, they gain an ultimate difference-maker." -Zehner
The 2026 Olympics will showcase Canada's mix of veteran leadership and generational talent. With Sidney Crosby still a force and Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Makar in their primes, the roster balances experience with explosiveness.
Makar isn't just another defenseman, he's the anchor who controls the pace, steadies the team, and protects leads when medal-round games get tight.
"Every shift with Makar carries the potential for a highlight. He can glide past forecheckers, spring teammates with pinpoint passes, or unleash a blue-line blast that tilts the scoreboard. On Olympic ice, in a short, high-stakes tournament, he's the kind of player who can swing momentum in a single play." -Zehner
If Canada reaches the podium in Milan on Feb. 22, don't be surprised to see No. 8 front and center, once again proving that he thrives when the lights shine brightest.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 20 ANSWERS Avalanche fans could witness something historic from their star defenseman this upcoming season Will Makar lead Canada to gold at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games? | ||
| yes | 16 | 80 % |
| no | 4 | 20 % |
| List of polls | ||
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