Cale Makar's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Cale Makar. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1970: Bobby Orr wins Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies

In 1970, Bobby Orr won the Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies. In 2022, Makar became only the third defenceman to win both trophies in the same season after Orr.

1972: Bobby Orr wins Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies

In 1972, Bobby Orr won the Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies. In 2022, Makar became only the third defenceman to win both trophies in the same season after Orr.

December 6, 1999: Sandis Ozoliņš Hat Trick

On December 6, 1999, Sandis Ozoliņš recorded a hat trick. In 2024, Makar became the first Avalanche defenseman to do so since Ozoliņš.

2002: Nicklas Lidström wins Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies

In 2002, Nicklas Lidström won the Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies. In 2022, Makar became only the third defenceman to win both trophies in the same season after Lidström.

2008: Joe Colborne Drafted

In 2008, Joe Colborne was drafted into the NHL. Makar became the second player in the first round since Colborne to come straight from the AJHL

2014: Led Calgary Flames in Scoring

In the 2014-15 season, Cale Makar led the Calgary Flames in scoring with 23 points in 34 league games, earning team MVP honors and a selection to the Alberta Midget Hockey League First All-Star Team.

2015: World Junior A Challenge Gold Medal

In 2015, Cale Makar competed for Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, helping the team win a gold medal.

2015: Standout Season with Brooks Bandits

In the 2015-16 season, Cale Makar established himself as a standout defenceman with the Brooks Bandits, earning AJHL All-League and All-Rookie recognition. He won the AJHL championship and received multiple awards, including AJHL and CJHL Rookie of the Year, Western Canada Cup Top Defenceman, and RBC Cup awards.

2016: Set a Tournament Record

In 2016, Cale Makar set a tournament single-game record for points by a defenceman at the World Junior A Challenge.

2016: Brent Burns' Season

In the 2016-17 season, Brent Burns had the most goals by a defenceman in the NHL. In 2022, Makar finished the season with 28 goals, the most by a defenceman in the NHL since Burns.

2016: MVP and Top Defenseman in AJHL

In the 2016-17 season, Cale Makar was named MVP and top defenceman in the AJHL, leading all defencemen with 75 points. He also helped Brooks to a second straight AJHL championship and earned RBC Cup honors.

2018: Continued Development at UMass

In 2018, Cale Makar opted to return for his sophomore season with UMass. He was honored as Hockey East Player of the Year and named a Hobey Baker Award finalist.

2018: Gold at the World Junior Championships

In 2018, Cale Makar played for the Canada junior team, winning a gold medal at the World Junior Championships.

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.

November 12, 2019: Reaches 18 points in 18 games

On November 12, 2019, Cale Makar became the second Avalanche defenceman to record 18 points in 18 games as a rookie.

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.

January 18, 2020: New Avalanche Franchise Record

On January 18, 2020, Cale Makar set a new Avalanche franchise record with his 11th goal of the season, besting John-Michael Liles' record for most goals by a rookie defenceman.

2021: Nomination for the James Norris Memorial Trophy

In 2021, Cale Makar was nominated for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's best defenceman.

March 25, 2022: Broke Avalanche's single-season record for goals

On March 25, 2022, Cale Makar scored his 24th goal of the 2021-22 season, breaking the Avalanche's single-season record for goals scored by a defenceman.

November 21, 2022: 200th Career Point

On November 21, 2022, Cale Makar scored his 200th career point in 195 games, becoming the fastest NHL defenceman to reach that milestone.

2022: Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy

In 2022, Cale Makar won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the postseason.

March 6, 2024: First NHL Hat Trick

On March 6, 2024, Cale Makar recorded his first career NHL hat trick in a 7–2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the first Avalanche defenseman to do so since Sandis Ozoliņš.