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 defenseman and alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. He was drafted fourth overall by the Avalanche in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Makar is known for his exceptional skating, offensive skills, and hockey IQ, making him one of the league's premier defensemen. He has won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year, the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's best defenseman, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs, also winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1970: Bobby Orr won Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies

In 1970, Bobby Orr won the Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies in the same season.

1972: Bobby Orr won Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies

In 1972, Bobby Orr won the Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies in the same season.

2002: Nicklas Lidström won Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies

In 2002, Nicklas Lidström won the Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies in the same season.

2014: Led the Calgary Flames in Scoring

In the 2014-2015 season, Cale Makar led the Calgary Flames in scoring, earning him the team's Most Valuable Player award and a selection to the Alberta Midget Hockey League First All-Star Team.

2015: Standout Season with the Brooks Bandits

In 2015-16, as a 17-year-old, Cale Makar had a standout season with the Brooks Bandits, earning AJHL All-League and All-Rookie recognition. He helped the Bandits win the AJHL championship and received multiple awards, including AJHL and CJHL Rookie of the Year, Western Canada Cup Top Defenceman Award, and RBC Cup awards.

2016: Continued Success with the Brooks Bandits

In the 2016-17 season, Cale Makar continued his success with the Brooks Bandits, earning MVP and top defenceman accolades in the AJHL. He helped Brooks win a second AJHL championship and earned multiple RBC Cup awards, as well as the CJHL Most Valuable Player Award and RBC National Junior A Player of the Year Award.

2018: World Junior Championship Gold Medal

In 2018, Cale Makar won a gold medal with the Canada national junior team at the World Junior Championships. He led all defencemen with three goals and eight points and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

2018: Gold at the World Junior Championships

In 2018, Cale Makar won gold at the World Junior Championships as part of the Canadian junior team.

2018: Returned for Sophomore Season

In 2018-19, Cale Makar opted to return for his sophomore season with UMass. He became the first Minutemen honored as Hockey East Player of the Year and was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist.

November 12, 2019: Avalanche Record

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 during the Stanley Cup playoffs. He also played his first full season and won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year.

January 18, 2020: 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, during his second professional season, 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 Goal Record

On March 25, 2022, Cale Makar broke the Avalanche's single-season record for goals scored by a defenceman with 24 goals.

November 21, 2022: 200th Career Point

On November 21, 2022, Cale Makar recorded his 200th career point in 195 games, the fastest pace of any NHL defenceman to reach that milestone, during a game against the Dallas Stars.

2022: Stanley Cup Win 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 2022 playoffs.

March 6, 2024: First NHL Hat Trick

On March 6, 2024, Cale Makar achieved his first career NHL hat trick during a 7–2 victory against the Detroit Red Wings. He became the first Avalanche defenceman to accomplish this since December 6, 1999.

2024: Second Norris Trophy Win

In the 2024-25 season, Cale Makar won his second Norris Trophy after his fifth nomination.

April 3, 2025: 30th Goal of the Season

On April 3, 2025, Cale Makar scored his 30th goal of the season, becoming only the ninth defenceman in NHL history to reach this milestone, and the second in the post-lockout era.

June 11, 2025: Second Norris Trophy

On June 11, 2025, Cale Makar was awarded his second career Norris Trophy, receiving 176 of 191 first-place votes.

2025: 4 Nations Face-Off

In 2025, Cale Makar played in the 4 Nations Face-Off for Canada, earning his first senior international title with an assist on Connor McDavid's winning goal in overtime against the United States in the final.

March 18, 2026: 20th Goal of the 2025–26 Season

On March 18, 2026, during a game against the Dallas Stars, Cale Makar scored his 20th goal of the 2025–26 NHL season, making him the first defenceman since Phil Housley to score 20 goals in three straight seasons.

2026: 2026 Winter Olympics

In 2026, Cale Makar was selected for Canada's team at the Winter Olympics, also named as an alternate captain. He scored the game-tying goal in the final against the United States, but Canada lost in overtime, earning a silver medal. He was named to the Olympic All-Star Team.