The NHL season is well underway, and some players are already making a significant impact on their teams. One player who has been turning heads is Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche. Makar, a defenseman, has been a force on both ends of the ice and currently leads the league in plus-minus rating with a staggering +20.
Makar’s offensive skills have been on full display this season. He has already recorded 10 goals and 20 assists in just 18 games, putting him on pace for a career-high in points. Makar’s ability to jump into the rush and create scoring chances has been a key factor in the Avalanche’s success this season, and he has quickly become one of the most dangerous offensive defensemen in the league.
But it’s not just his offensive prowess that makes Makar so valuable to the Avalanche. His defensive game is equally impressive. Makar’s speed and agility allow him to keep up with the fastest forwards in the league, and his hockey IQ and positioning make him a difficult player to beat in one-on-one situations. Whether it’s breaking up a play in the defensive zone or making a key block, Makar consistently makes smart decisions on the ice that help his team.
Makar’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has praised Makar’s play, calling him a “difference-maker” and a “game-changer.” Makar’s teammates have also been impressed with his performance, with captain Gabriel Landeskog describing him as “unbelievable” and “the complete package.”
But Makar isn’t the only young defenseman making waves in the NHL this season. Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks has also been making a name for himself. Hughes, who finished second in Calder Trophy voting last season, is once again proving why he is one of the league’s top young defensemen. With a +19 rating, Hughes ranks second in the league in plus-minus and has been a key contributor to the Canucks’ success.
Filip Hronek of the Detroit Red Wings is another young defenseman who has been making a significant impact this season. Despite playing on one of the league’s worst teams, Hronek has managed to post a +14 rating, which is the third-highest in the league. Hronek’s offensive skills have been particularly impressive, as he leads all Red Wings defensemen in points with 14.
Rounding out the top five in plus-minus rating are Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers and Devon Toews of the Colorado Avalanche, both with a +13 rating. Barkov, who is known for his two-way play, has been a key contributor to the Panthers’ success this season. Toews, who was acquired by the Avalanche in the offseason, has quickly become a valuable member of the team’s defensive corps.
As the NHL season continues, it will be interesting to see if these young defensemen can maintain their strong play and continue to make an impact on their teams. With their offensive skills, defensive prowess, and high hockey IQ, players like Makar, Hughes, and Hronek have the potential to be game-changers for their respective teams.
