Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar spark buzz with surprising new development
Photo credit: Patrick McDermott / Denver Sports
Colorado Avalanche superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are making headlines after a surprising new EA Sports NHL announcement, generating buzz across the league.
As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, EA Sports has once again underscored why the Colorado Avalanche continue to be regarded as one of the league's elite teams, highlighting their depth, talent, and status as perennial contenders.
EA Sports proves why the Colorado Avalanche are elite.
Trent Finnegan from Denver Sports writes that hockey season is nearly here, and EA Sports' latest NHL game drops in two weeks. Player ratings are out, and the Avalanche feature prominently at the top of the list.
"Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar have arguably been the two best players in the NHL this decade and are a big part of why the burgundy and blue have constantly been at the top of the standings in the 2020s.
MacKinnon won the Hart Trophy in 2024 as the league's MVP while Makar won the Norris Trophy in 2022 and 2025 as the league's top defenseman. The dynamic duo was recognized in the game's inaugural ratings as two of the six best players in the game." -Finnegan
MacKinnon won the Hart Trophy in 2024 as the league's MVP while Makar won the Norris Trophy in 2022 and 2025 as the league's top defenseman. The dynamic duo was recognized in the game's inaugural ratings as two of the six best players in the game." -Finnegan
MacKinnon earned a 96 overall rating, second only to Edmonton Oilers' star forward Connor McDavid, while Makar received a 95, ties with Vancouver Canucks' star defenseman Quinn Hughes. The rating reflects Makar's strong season, though his playoff struggles may have influenced it.
"For the rest of the team, there are 10 players rocking the burgundy and blue sweater who have a rating of 85 or better, including captain Gabriel Landeskog." -Finnegan
While questions remain about the Avalanche's depth, their top players remain elite. Martin Necas was the only other Avalanche to surpass a 90 overall rating.
The upcoming season is pivotal for the Avalanche. After three disappointing early playoff exits since their last Stanley Cup, and with much of their roster aging (aside from Makar), time is running out for this era.
On paper, and even in video games, they have the talent to win another Stanley Cup right now, but it all comes down to performance when they hit the ice.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 30 | 33 ANSWERS Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar spark buzz with surprising new development Who would you rather build your team around? | ||
| Nathan MacKinnon | 17 | 51.5 % |
| Cale Makar | 16 | 48.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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