The Avalanche's deadliest weapon this season isn't who anyone expected
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy / Imagn Images
Surprisingly, the player who could be Colorado Avalanche's deadliest weapon this year isn't a forward at all, but superstar defenseman Cale Makar.
Looking back at the Stanley Cup the Avalanche captured a few seasons ago it's performance to overlook Makar's remarkable playoff performance.
The Avalanche's ultimate x-factor is Cale Makar.
RB Hayek from Clutch Points writes that during that 2022 championship run, Makar was outstanding, racking up eight goals and 21 assists across 20 playoff games as he led the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup victory, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy.
"The Avs don't win the Stanley Cup without Makar. Likewise, they don't even thrive without Makar being the near-equal elite player that MacKinnon is. Makar had 30 goals and 62 assists over 80 games in the 2024-25 NHL season. Now, he looks to do even more in the 2025-26 NHL season. Makar is explosive on offense and contributes in every way possible." -Hayek
While many consider MacKinnon the Avalanche's x-factor, Makar deserves a spot in that conversation as well. He often runs the power play, easing the burden on MacKinnon.
Known as an offensive superstar who generates countless scoring chances, Makar also shines defensively.
"Other defensemen in the NHL will get more attention for their defense. Yet, Makar does an adequate job of getting on defense, breaking up plays, and preventing the opposition from generating big plays. Makar is also really good at reading plays and limiting chances." -Hayek
If the Avalanche hope to return to the playoffs and make a serious Stanley Cup push, Makar will be one of the biggest reasons. His knack for generating offense while shutting down opponents defensively makes him the ultimate player, and arguably the most valuable asset in the Avalanche organization.
Source:
Clutch Points
Avalanche's X-factor in 2025-26, and it's not Nathan MacKinnon
If the Avalanche hope to return to the playoffs and make a serious Stanley Cup push, Makar will be one of the biggest reasons. His knack for generating offense while shutting down opponents defensively makes him the ultimate player, and arguably the most valuable asset in the Avalanche organization.
Source:
Clutch Points
Avalanche's X-factor in 2025-26, and it's not Nathan MacKinnon
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 28 | 19 ANSWERS The Avalanche's deadliest weapon this season isn't who anyone expected Would you agree that Makar is the Avalanche's ultimate x-factor? | ||
| yes | 15 | 78.9 % |
| no | 4 | 21.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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