Cale Makar's latest skate raises questions about what's coming this season
Photo credit: Canadian Press
Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar, widely regarded as the best defensemen in the NHL, stepped onto the ice with the team for the first time since last season, and it took no time to shake off the rust for the two-time Norris Trophy winner.
Many were wondering what Makar's motivation levels would look like entering this season, but today's skate leaves little to worry about.
Cale Makar looks primed for another dominating season with Avalanche.
Ryan O'Hara of Mile High Hockey reported on Makar's first skate with the team, highlighting how seamless his performance was, almost as if he hadn't taken any time off.
Though still easing back into rhythm, Makar found himself at the center of nearly every sequence-including a tense moment at center ice when he collided with Jack Ahcan while battling for a loose puck. The impact jarred his stick free, but Makar's instincts took over; he surged ahead, kicking the puck down the ice to captain Gabe Landeskog. As Landeskog scanned the neutral zone for an outlet, Makar calmly retrieved his stick and rejoined the play without missing a beat." -O'Hara
Makar cared more about setting up his teammates than finishing himself. He not only had Avalanche regulars on the ice but AHL guys trying to make their mark.
"Makar demonstrated a team-first approach throughout the scrimmage, prioritizing opportunities for his teammates over solo drives to the net. Several of his passes to Landeskog failed to produce goals, yet the creativity and on-ice chemistry were unmistakable." -O'Hara
There was never any real doubt that Makar would return to full form this season, but his effort and commitment at the skate spoke volumes, even if the stats from a practice mean nothing.
What matters is that he's present, focused, and ready to do whatever it takes to lead the Avalanche back to another Stanley Cup.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 12 | 28 ANSWERS Cale Makar's latest skate raises questions about what's coming this season Will Makar win a third Norris trophy this upcoming NHL season? | ||
| yes | 24 | 85.7 % |
| no | 4 | 14.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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