Avalanche React to NHL's Cale Makar Announcement

The Colorado Avalanche made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the eighth straight season, and much of their success this year can be credited to defenseman Cale Makar.

Makar played in 80 regular-season games, recording 30 goals and 62 assists for a total of 92 points—his highest single-season mark. He led all NHL defensemen in those three major statistical categories.

He also made history, becoming just the ninth defenseman ever to score 30 goals in a season—and the first since Paul Coffey (1988–89 and 1990–91) to record back-to-back 90-point seasons from the blue line.

On Tuesday, the NHL announced that Makar had been named a finalist for the Norris Trophy, which is "given annually to the defenseman voted the best at his position by the Professional Hockey Writers Association."

The other nominees include Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes.