Cale Makar Is Hockey’s Most Evolved Defender 

The Avs falling to the 2017 4th overall draft pick despite having one of the worst regular season records ever prior to was a huge blessing in disguise.

That 2 on 1 defensive play was one of the best things ive seen in hockey

He's got a style of skating that I didn't even know was really possible. I've been trying my hardest to emulate the way he skates. He never loses his momentum with the way he skates. Going backwards to make a defensive play, grabbing the puck, then attacking forward, he doesn't lose speed in his transition. On top of that he has one of the best space awareness in the game. Absolutely grateful to have him on my team. I hope we never give him up and his number is forever in our rafters.

Over his career Makar will be one of if not the best offensive defensemen we've ever seen

My buddy's dad scouted him when he was with the Brooks Bandits in their 2016-2017 season. I recall being at their place for dinner one night and his dad brought Cale up, he said he reminds him of Bobby Orr. I still remember what we were eating, pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes, corn and gravy. Anyways we had a good conversion about hockey, and Cale.

4:05 He single-handedly shuts down Tkachuk's scoring lane then Gaudreau's scoring lane, recovers, and catches Monahan on a leisurely stroll to the puck! Amazing!

From what I’ve seen of him off the ice he seems to carry himself so well. He seems like a genuinely nice, humble guy. Reminds me very much of Lidstrom. Amazing player that any team would love to have.

The move at 3:01 is insane… always like how you don’t just include the goals

So lucky to have him on the Avs, All Hail Cale! Also, great video, I actually learn a lot from these since I discovered you last year. Keep the good work up.

I remember watching that Flames 2 on 1 live with Cale pressing the breakaway, but then seeing the pass behind him and sliding towards the puck to block the shot.. I was just so amazed at the hockey iq and skill to quickly transition with his edges so effortlessly. To top it all off once the play is broken up he quickly transitions to break out the 3 on 2 on the other end of the ice. Dude is a hockey monster, the Avs are blessed to have him.

I'm a huge Orr fan and have heard comparisons to him for decades. None of them came close to Orr's skating with his separation speed and ability to change cadence. Makar does. This is a great video with excellent analysis. Thanks!

As a Blues fan, Orr gives me generational PTSD

Makar just makes everything look so smooth & effortless (like his pivot to shake the winger @3:01), it's like everything seems so easy for him.

Bobby Orr was 22 years old when he set this record, 2 years younger than Makar currently. While it's extremely impressive what Makar has done, it's still more impressive how good Bobby Orr actually was in the Era he played.

I used to go into the Boston Garden to watch Orr & Company play in the 60's/70's. I have been lucky to see Makar play. The unavoidable issue with this comparison is that there is 50+ years between them. The biggest complaint that I have with highlight reels is that they are, well, just that. To see the greatness in any ice hockey player is to watch them without the puck. The subtle moves, the constant thinking two or three plays ahead; that is what separates the Orr's and the Makar's from the rest.

Good thing for Makar, he'll never have to undergo "exploratory surgery" as Bobby did. Had Orr played as long as any of those others the career numbers would have been insane.

Remember 3 teams passed on him... Colorado was 4th and every one of these 3 teams are kicking themselves and as an avs fan I couldn't be more happier

Bobby Orr was playing in an era where the scoring was lower than right now. Comparing Makar to Orr is crazy to me. Orr had 8 Norris in a row, 2 Art Ross, 3 Hart trophies, 2 Conn Smythes and 2 Stanley Cups. I also doubt that he wins 7 Norris trophies like Lidstrom. Makar is amazing but he's not a top 3 defenseman all time.

Bruh, your videos are so fucking good. They're like mini specials you'd see on TV

That OT goal on the Blackhawks lives in my head rent free

As a Orr fan, (saw him at age 8 w/ Black Hawks) and a massive Red Wins fan, never thought Orr & Lidstrom would be matched, except by Bourque, who quit in 01! I too, was wrong. Cale blew my mind in his first year and wowed me!

Yup, and being #4 was fantastic for me as an Avs fan. Started watching hockey in 96’ at 13yrs old. Perfect time to get into it right? Haha.. won a cup first year I watched, first year in Colorado. Rivalry vs redwings was epic. I know it tough for a d man to go first overall but he’s a clear standout of a case where it should have happened. Fun to watch. And tonight they’re matched up vs the blackhawks and Connor B. Should be exciting to watch Cale defend against him…

There will never be another Orr. When Makar was home waiting to get drafted, Orr had completed his 3rd season, winning the Calder, 2 Norris Trophies. At 21 ? Orr won the Norris, Ross, Smythe, Hart, Stanley Cup, Plus Minus Winner AND was the only NHL Player with over 100 Points that season. Orr did all of that in a single season, age 21. You need more ? Orr lead the NHL in Plus / Minus a record (6) times. In those 6 seasons his AVERAGE plus / minus per season was a +80. That is not a misprint. +80 average ! You simply had to be there.

This has to be one of my favorite channels. I can’t express enough how much I enjoy your videos. Every single one of them opens my eyes or teaches me stuff I would never know about and would want to know.

I've been lucky enough to see (live) both Bobby Orr and Cale Maker play in their respective NHL home rinks. I just hope that Cale's career is not cut off short with injuries as Bobby's was.

As gifted as Makar is, seeing him lay out Staal was extremely satisfying.

Not only did Bobby Orr start at age 18, he retired in 1978 before the golden age of the 80s. Bobby also won the Norris trophy 8 times and also won the scoring race twice. One time that he won the scoring race he had 139 points ( 102 assists and 37 goals ) Orr also had 46 goals in one season and averaged 1.39 points per game throughout his career. I have a lot of respect for Cale Makar and really enjoy watching him play but to suggest that because he got to 250 points in 6 less games than Orr puts him above Orr is very very premature. Orr also was a really good scrapper and had 47 fights while he played. If you want to talk about skating, Orr had the speed and edgework second to none all on a pair of skates were quite simply shitty compared to todays skates. I could go on and on ,but I think I've made my point. I haven't even mentioned that Orr played a good portion of his career with a considerably damaged knee due to a hack job operation that he had done after I believe it was his second year in the league.

Imagine where he'd be at stats-wise without the pandemic and injuries. He's missed 70+ games already in his short career. Cale is unreal.

Doesn't hurt to have McKinnon in the same line...drawing players away from Cale and visa versa. I was too young to appreciate old NHL players. Ray Bourqe and Blake were awesome too... but Orr was on another level!

Been a subscriber since the beginning but wanted to say how much the quality of your vids have improved. I like the short form breakdowns but I love the ones where you take a deep dive like this. Excited for this season!

Thta defensive play at 4:05 is one the bests have seen, flat out neutralized a 2-1 chance

Cale is a stud, thanks for the analysis. Despite having a few oopsies this season, I think his defending is underrated. Everyone remembers that he had a ton of points against the Oilers in the '22 playoffs, but what I found even more impressive was his (and Toewes) ability to shut down McDavid and his line. He doesn't throw big hits often, but he sure can when he wants to.

never seen the clip @4:07 before, but man that is just mind boggling. Jaw just hit the floor, he's by far the most dominant player on his edges.

Makar went from College Frozen Four Championship game to Post Season Avalanche Cup run in the SAME season...and held his own. That's bananas.

I agree Makar is the most exiting defense I've seen since the 80's

You don't even mention Orr's greatest achievement.... he was a plus 124 in 1970-71. That's insane when you look at player plus minus stats now.

Watching Makar, Dahlin and Heiskanen the next ten years is gunna be a blast. They're revolutionizing the game.

I remember watching that first game Cale was in for the Avs during the playoffs. His parents barely made it to the rink for the game because of a passport fiasco. He had just won the college hockey Hobby Baker award. Played his last college game 3 days prior. His first shift on the ice in the NHL he scores. His parents were in tears of joy. I was an instant fan!

Love this; Bobby Orr and Cale Makar, my favorite historical player and current player, since I'm a defenseman. So cool to see this history being made!

Fantastic breakdown of his play and impact on the game. This has quickly become my favorite hockey channel.

I'm a Bruins fan... always have been. But, Makar has made me an Avs fan since the first time I saw him play. I hope he keeps this pace... I believe he can.

Agree with everything, but I watched Brian Leetch as a kid and he was just as amazing. Point per game over a long career, a strong defender, and absolutely dominated the ‘94 playoffs.

That 1 on 2 defensive play was beautiful to watch

Glad Makar, MacKinnon, and Rantannen are finally getting some respect.

Great call on the footwork! Thanks picking that edgework sequence, pretty. Hope we get years of him healthy.

I'd say this is a great analysis of the full scope of Makar's general ability and how the game is now compared to the age of these kinds of offensive defensemen. The fact two teams passed him over in the draft astonishes me and confuses me even now, and the Avs are certainly lucky to have him, especially with the roster going left and right and Landy presumably out for good. Keep the good work up; I really learn a lot about hockey from these vids.

@2:46 it looks like Makar went for the post hit fist bump with Colton

Cale Makar has played 414 games fewer than Bobby Orr. Also trails him by 663 points. In order to catch up with Bobby Orr, Makar would need to score at a 1.601449 point per game pace for his next 414 games (a little more than 5 seasons) Cale Makar is about to turn 25 years old. Entering the 5 year window of his prime and there is no shot he passes Orr's mark. He would have to have 5 131 point seasons and then start the next year off with 8 points in 5 games. To summarize Orr was a monster.

Great analysis

This, along with all of the videos you produce, are sincerely top notch. One of my favorite channels to watch! Any chance you could soon do a video on the bruins current situation, and maybe predictions if that your thing? Would love to see a breakdown and and your perspective on them right now.

This was an awesome video, I can't argue with your perspective on anything you had to say. Great job 👍.

Bobby Orr: 657 Games Played, 270 Goals, 645 Assists, 924 Points, five 30-goal seasons (as a defenceman), six straight 100-point seasons, 9-Time All-Star, 2 Stanley Cups, 2-Time Conn Smythe Winner, Calder Trophy Winner, 8-Time Norris Trophy Winner (in a row) 3-Time Hart Trophy Winner (in a row), 2-Time Art Ross Trophy Winner, Lester B. Pearson Award Winner (Ted Lindsay Award Winner). Bobby Orr is the only defenceman in NHL history to lead the league in scoring. One of only two defenseman to win the Hart Trophy more than once (Eddie Shore being the other, [he won it four times]). Do not say that Makar is better than Bobby Orr until Makar has played his final NHL game

Let's gooo, a video appreciating all-time great players and not just your favorite Canadian team. More of this in the media please

The guy is truly amazing to watch. Guys like him, Mackinnon, McDavid, Mathews, sometimes it's like watching a video game be played instead of real life. 😂

Thank you! I feel like every time that I tell people that Cale Makar is the first defenseman truly on Bobby Orr's level, they look at me like I've lost my mind. Obviously he's still got miles to go to prove his consistency. I think the next mile stone has to be the 100pt season. Even 5 years ago, I'd say that wasn't really feasible, but since then Josi and Karlsson have show it can happen in today's game, and I really hope we get to see him do it.

Makar is amazing that he is beating those modern day goalies with better GAAs, bigger bodies/protection, better athleticism, and most of all better skills.

Makar is a master class on the ice .Makes difficulty look easy .i was a baby when Bobby Orr won his cup but to see . Paul coffee .Nick Lidstrom ,Brian Leetch .

4:07 idk if you did this on purpose but I think the way you were saying that the flames were doing good plays just adds so much to the video and showing makars talent

Makar is definitely the 2nd best player in the league. Behind only mcdavid he is the absolute cornerstone anyteam would ever want on their team. He makes any situation on the rink dangerous just with his presence. good times ahead for cale.

I met him the night he won the Baker trophy. Umass beat Denver in OT, Makar wins player of the year, we lose to the skating trees of Minn Duluth and the next day he signs his contract skates with his new team and scores that first goal.

Quinn Hughes also made 150 points in few games

watch Quinn Hughes as well.... these 2 are incredible and changing the game

There are a lot of people who try to downplay Makar, and say that he's over hyped for dumb reasons like being Canadian, or playing on the Avs with Mackinnon. But in reality, the things he does are unlike any other player in the league. He's the best overall skater in the league and he does things that no other defenseman are capable of. Not to mention he isn't one dimensional like a lot of the other defenseman who put up similar point totals. He is a top 3 player in the league by far. He is so unbelievable to watch.

Orr also got his start in an era when the Average goalie had a good save Percentage, only the bottom two teams having starters below .900. The save percentages were pretty solid till the 1972 Expansion, then the inflation began. Then the 80s hit and a .900 save percentage was an endangered species. Makar is having as close as it gets to Orr's prime, but like Orr, stuff can end real fast, I hope it doesn't happen to him either.

Quinn Hughes gotta be right up there with

Love how at 4:05 you just casually choose not to mention that the two guys Makar is defending are Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau... to pull that move against *any* NHL forward is impressive, let alone two perennial All-Stars. Great video, good analysis.

I remember watching Bobby Orr play. His first three years weren't that productive. He had 135 points in 174 games during those years. In years 4 through 9 he had 734 points in 447 games. I'm a huge Makar fan and he has gotten off to a better career start than Orr, but it's hard to imagine him putting up 6 straight seasons of more than 100 points each season or doing it in as many games as Orr did. I think that if Makar remains healthy he can top Orr's 915 career points.

Great video! What you forgot to mention is that he lives rent free in Seattle Kraken fan's heads. 🤣🤣

Cale Makar is the sole reason I want to play defense in beer league. Cale should make every kid on the come up want to play defense.

4:56 that’s a list of generational talents he’s beating

I really enjoy watching him play!!

Calgary Boy! Always welcome home Cale.

The Slurpee Assassin

Right now, I watch every game just to see Makar skate.

Seeing Bobby Orr skate like that back then, he really was a "modern" player taking advantage of what looks like Beer League players.

Games didn't go into OT when Orr played. Makar has 11 points in OT so Makar really didn't break Orr's fastest to 250 points record.

Watched him debut in the playoffs... Found out, that boy is worth the price of admission.

And he seems like a nice guy as well, I get Zach Hyman level vibes.

please never stop posting literally my favourite account on youtube

Been watching hockey since the early 90s, and I have to admit that Makar is the best comparison to Orr in my lifetime.

The critical difference between Orr/Makar and the others is they are dominant in their own end. McInnes was the closest to those two, but after him, it's a gargantuan chasm to the next best scoring defenseman in his own end.

It says a lot about a team when you have a top 2 forward(MacKinnon and McDavid are both beasts but rn MacKinnon in this season is without an argument more consistent and better. It may change in the future though so... yeah), an arguably the best modern era defenseman and the highest TOI goaltender with almost .9 SV%. Avs are stacked and possibly the main Stanley Cup contenders this season.

Best defenseman since Orr

You're nuts!!!

all hail cale forever

4:20 won't impress casuals but for those who understand how that play started and the way Makar got into position to get into a defensive posture realize how much skill and speed that it required.

‘Orr should be in a higher league’ Bobby Clarke.

Great player nice vid

Wish I could have seen Orr play.

Great work psychology guy!

Bobby Orr, Paul Coffee, Larry Robinson....IMO, these 3 are the best in hisrory

Hey I left LOVE your vids, Keep up the good work buddy❤(can you make a video on knowing where to shoot on a goalie? I have trouble with that thanks❤)

The goaltending and defense is much better today than at Bobby Orr's time. He would have a harder time scoring today than he did in this time. That doesn't mean he wouldn't still be a great defenseman, just not as much as a standout. Nevertheless he revolutionized hockey.

Without a doubt the 2nd Greatest Defenseman in history.

All the great players in 80s also put up huge numbers in the worst scoring era of the NHL the 90s, in 90s Gretzky, Messier had over 100 points at elderly ages of 34-36, Coffey was over a point per game, goalies had huge pads, teams trapped, hooked and held all game, many goalies had GAA of around 2.00 or less, it was harder to score in mid 90s-early 2000s then it is today.

HP is fluent in facts I see

I'll grant you Makar's GAME is probably the closest thing we've seen to Orr. He IS fantastic. But he's still not Orr. Orr was more dominant in his era than McDavid is now. Orr made everyone else in the NHL look like minor leaguers.

Maybe too late, and often overlooked. But, can you mention something about how maybe Sandis Ozolinch may have had an impact. He was a powerful 2 way defenseman. Also wore #8 for Colorado.

One of the greatest draft picks ever. Like Bossy at #20

We need to stop calling Orr a defenseman. He was a winger playing on the blue line.