Career Timeline of Cale Makar: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Cale Makar, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Cale Makar is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. He was drafted fourth overall by the Avalanche in 2017.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2011: Joins NWCAA Bruins

In 2011, Cale Makar moved to play with the Northwest Calgary Athletic Association (NWCAA) Bruins at the Bantam level.

2013: Drafted by Medicine Hat Tigers

In 2013, Cale Makar was drafted by the Western Hockey League (WHL)'s Medicine Hat Tigers in the eighth round, 164th overall, of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

2015: Cousin Plays at Rochester Institute of Technology

From 2015, Makar's cousin, Mark Logan, played at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

August 4, 2017: Game-Tying Goal Against Sweden

On August 4, 2017, Cale Makar scored a pivotal game-tying goal against Sweden at the World Junior Summer Showcase, helping Canada win the game 7-4.

October 6, 2017: First Collegiate Point

On October 6, 2017, Cale Makar recorded his first collegiate point in his debut against Arizona State University.

October 27, 2017: First Collegiate Goal

On October 27, 2017, Cale Makar scored his first goal in a 4-0 victory over Merrimack College.

2017: Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche

In 2017, Cale Makar was selected fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL entry draft.

2017: Selected Fourth Overall in the NHL Entry Draft

In 2017, Cale Makar was selected fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL entry draft.

2018: World Junior Championships Gold and All-Tournament Selection

In 2018, Cale Makar won a gold medal as part of the Canada junior team at the World Junior Championships. He led all defensemen with three goals and eight points in seven games and was the only Canadian named to the All-Tournament Team.

2018: Declined Invitation to 2018 Winter Olympics

In 2018, Makar reportedly declined an invitation to join the Canada senior team for the 2018 Winter Olympics to focus on his season at UMass, as he would have had to miss three weeks for the tournament.

April 14, 2019: Signed with the Avalanche

On April 14, 2019, Cale Makar signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Avalanche.

2019: NHL Debut and Calder Memorial Trophy Nomination

In 2019, Cale Makar debuted in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche, making an immediate impact. Makar won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year.

2019: Cousin Plays at Rochester Institute of Technology

Until 2019, Makar's cousin, Mark Logan, played at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

July 24, 2021: Signed a six-year extension with the Avalanche

On July 24, 2021, Cale Makar signed a six-year, $54 million contract extension with the Avalanche.

2021: Brother Drafted by Avalanche

In 2021, Cale Makar's younger brother Taylor was drafted by the Avalanche in the seventh round of the NHL entry draft.

March 31, 2025: Brother Signs with Avalanche

On March 31, 2025, Cale Makar's younger brother Taylor, after spending three years with the Minutemen, signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Avalanche.