How Good Is Cale Makar Actually?

[@TillTheThrill19]

There is probably nobody in hockey that brings more value to the table than Cale Makar. To have a player play both ends of the ice and having to transition from Defense to Offense and putting up ridiculous numbers while doing so is truly amazing.

[@AvaFisher-o4j]

I remember feeling bummed out after watching that terrible Avs season and finding out they lost the draft lottery. now they have cale

[@TheHockeyVault]

4th pick is the new 1st ;)

[@AVSFAITHFUL25]

I’m just gonna say we got gifted Superman and Batman in a span of 4 years

[@nocakeblayke]

Bro used NHL24 cover as the thumbnail

[@TheBadonski]

It's all in his edge work. Kid is filthy when he cuts the ice.

[@adambarnes4191]

You forgot the Hobey Baker too.

[@denisbeauregard]

Please do Ray Bourque, still underrated.

[@ryanjacob3338]

I'd start with Cale for sure. A 1C is obviously massive, but not this massive. GM, roster wise, there is only one option for a Makar. He's like if Karlsson didn't suck at hockey, or more aptly if Josi was more gifted. I think he hits another level next year. Too much losing, not acceptable to him.

[@andrewheffelbower9807]

Prime Datsyuk when?

[@francisvoyer]

Can't wait to see how Lane Hutson pans out, this guy clearly models his game after Makar and Hughes and I'm sure it's gonna be a treat to watch in a few years!! Not saying he's gonna be as good as them but... who knows? 👀

[@FlexSZN23]

Cale Makar is the best player in the NHL

[@TheHockeyVault]

Not there yet, but so young with so much talent. Excited to see his future.

[@maximilianmaier3950]

@@TheHockeyVault I think there is an argument to be had. It's always difficult to compare defenseman with forwards, but I would argue that the difference between Cale and the other top defenseman like Hughes or Fox is just as big as the difference between McDavid and guys like MacKinnon. I would pick Makar over every other defenseman every single time, but with McDavid and MacKinnon, there are potential circumstances where I would rather have McK over McD, for example if my team needs someone with strong leadership qualities. Or if my team has a 1 goal lead late in the game, but the other team is gaining momentum, I'd also feel much more comfortable with MacKinnon on the ice rather than McDavid, because Nate brings more of the physicality. McDavid might be the most skilled player in the NHL when he's on the ice, but when it comes to leadership, I think the Oilers would have better options as a captain. Again, let me compare him to MacKinnon: The Avs have been dealing with a lot of injuries in the past years and whenever a 1st line forward missed games, it almost din't matter who replaced the injured player, pretty much everyone played instantly better next to MacKinnon. Nate can really elevate everyone around him. The Oiler on the other hand have struggled for years to find someone next to McD and Drai, when they got put on the top line together.

[@mpaulm]

I hate to say this, but Paul Coffey was already Orr’s duplicate.

[@TheHockeyVault]

fair take

[@Blaesa]

LOL. Orr's offensive production wasn't even the best part of his game

[@mpaulm]

@@Blaesa It sure was! He didn’t change the game because he was another great defensive defensemen.

[@Blaesa]

@@mpaulm I mean obviously he's the best offensive defenseman ever, and forever changed the way defense is played. But what made him arguably the greatest player of all time is that in conjunction with his defensive ability and overall skillset. He was a complete player, dominant on every square inch of the ice. Something that Coffey was not. Although Coffey is a legend in his own right, calling him an "Orr duplicate" is unhinged

[@ronryan7398]

Except Orr could play defense, Coffee, not so much.

[@J-J1455]

I remember feeling bummed out after watching that terrible Avs season and finding out they lost the draft lottery. 😅 now they have cale 🥬

[@TheHockeyVault]

4th pick is the new first pick