EA Sports drops bombshell on reigning Avalanche Norris Trophy winner Cale Maker
Photo credit: Karl B DeBlaker / AP
In a surprising turn, EA Sports has released a massive update concerning Cale Makar, the Colorado Avalanche defenseman who currently holds the Norris Trophy, sparking widespread discussion among fans and analysts alike.
EA Sports has started releasing its top player ratings for the upcoming NHL 26 game, and Makar has earned the distinction of being the highest-rated right-shot defenseman in the game.
EA Sports drops massive bombshell on Cale Makar.
Scott Maxwell from Daily Faceoff writes that Makar claims the top spot among right-shot defensemen for the fourth consecutive season, a position he has held since NHL 23. His overall rating also remains steady at 95 for the third straight year.
"Makar had another excellent season, leading all defensemen in scoring with 30 goals and 62 assists for 92 points in 80 games and capturing the second Norris Trophy of his career. He was also the first defenseman to score 30 goals in a season since Mike Green did with the Washington Capitals in 2008-09." -Maxwell
Makar's 95 overall rating also ties him with Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes for the highest rating among all NHL defensemen.
"The New York Rangers' Adam Fox sits in second among right-shot defenseman with a 90 overall rating, which is five behind Makar and a much larger gap between first and second than NHL 25, which was only 95 to 92. The Boston Bruins' Charlie McAvoy sits in third with an 89 overall rating, while the Edmonton Oilers' Evan Bouchard, St. Louis Blues' Colton Parayko, Detroit Red Wings' Moritz Seider, New Jersey Devils' Dougie Hamilton, Capitals' John Carlson, Montreal Canadiens' Noah Dobson and Los Angeles Kings' Drew Doughty are all tied for fourth at 88 overall." -Maxwell
Since the list only highlights the top 10 players, it's possible that additional defensemen could hold an 88 overall rating.
"EA Sports player ratings help determine the quality of each player in the league, which in turn effects both their skillset during on-ice gameplay as well as how well they simulate during modes like Season, Franchise and Be a Pro." -Maxwell
NHL 26 is set to release on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 25 | 31 ANSWERS EA Sports drops bombshell on reigning Avalanche Norris Trophy winner Cale Maker Will Cale Makar become the greatest defenseman in NHL history? | ||
| yes | 24 | 77.4 % |
| no | 7 | 22.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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