Latest news with #CaleMakar
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Colorado Avalanche needs to get better at late-round drafting to remain in Stanley Cup window
Colorado Avalanche (via Getty Images) The Colorado Avalanche have made a Stanley Cup championship core from the top of the draft. Nathan MacKinnon. Cale Makar. Mikko Rantanen. Bowen Byram. All of them are first-rounders. But as they try to stay a serious Stanley Cup contender deep into the 2020s, one inarguable flaw could sap their chances: a poor history of discovering talent after Round 1. Where is Colorado Avalanche lacking? The Colorado Avalanche haven't drafted a player in a non-first-round pick who's played 300 NHL games since 2009—the year they chose Ryan O'Reilly (2nd) and Tyson Barrie (3rd). That's a long period for a team that's now feeling the financial pinch of a star-studded roster. Since 2010, Colorado's performance after Round 1 has been disappointing: Will Butcher (2013): 275 NHL games A.J. Greer (2015): 248 games, but only 37 with Colorado Calvin Pickard (2010): 175 games, lost to expansion Sampo Ranta (2018): played 16 NHL games, now back in Europe. Matthew Stienburg (2019): Depth upside only. Alex Beaucage (2019) and Andrei Buyalski (2021): Out of the organization. Where do all of the Colorado Avalanche trades stand now that the NHL is officially in offseason? And it's not even that they didn't pan out as stars—too many of these selections failed even to become consistent AHL contributors, lessening their worth both on the ice and in trades. There are glimmers of hope: Justus Annunen (2018, 3rd round): Now a potential NHL backup and already assisted in acquiring Scott Wedgewood Sean Behrens (2021, 2nd round): Remains in the organization and looks like an NHL defenseman if he can remain healthy and address size issues William Zellers (2024): Had his coming-out USHL season, though ultimately traded for Charlie Coyle But with no selection in the opening three rounds of the 2025 or 2026 NHL Draft, the pressure is now firmly on Colorado's scouting and development staffs to find value late—or see their championship window evaporate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 마지막으로 2025년 최고의 좀비 게임을 무료로 즐기세요 경복의 바다 플레이하기 Undo Colorado's Cup core remains whole, for now. But MacKinnon's $12.6M cap hit is in effect, and Cale Makar's next contract won't come cheap. Having NHL-ready players on entry-level or cheap deals is no longer a luxury—it's a requirement. Smart organizations plan their bottom six and bottom pair, not only their stars. The Avs got the first-round template right. Now they must identify their Rust, Murray, or Guentzel to keep this window open through 2028 and beyond. Winning one Stanley Cup is difficult. Winning two is more difficult. The Penguins demonstrated that reloading via the draft, even past the glow of round one, is the way dynasties sustain themselves. Also read: NHL trade rumor: Jonathan Toews reportedly choosing between Jets and Avalanche as decision nears For Colorado to win another banner, they must begin striking on more Day 2 and Day 3 selections—because this core isn't getting any younger, and the cap isn't getting any more generous. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Olympic news: Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby ignite Team Canada's Olympic dream with explosive first six reveal
Canada's Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after his game-winning goal (Credit: Charles Krupa /AP) Team Canada set the tone early for the 2026 Winter Olympics by unveiling the first six players on its men's hockey roster. The announcement included superstars Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. This signals Canada's intent to reclaim Olympic gold with a blend of generational talent and veteran poise, and the lineup also features Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Brayden Point, and Sam Reinhart, each coming off strong NHL seasons. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar bring two-way dominance While McDavid and Crosby will drive headlines, the Colorado Avalanche duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar brings critical balance. MacKinnon, 29, is coming off a Hart Trophy-nominated season with 116 points. His blend of speed and strength dominated the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he led all scorers. Cale Makar, 26, was named the NHL's best defenseman again this year, recording a career-high 92 points and his first 30-goal season. His offensive instincts and defensive awareness give Canada a foundational blueline piece. Makar's consistent Norris Trophy-caliber play makes him one of the most feared defenders in international hockey. Did Canada get 'first six' Olympic roster picks right? Sam Reinhart and Brayden Point offer playoff poise and firepower Brayden Point and Sam Reinhart round out the first six selections, offering playoff-tested poise and clutch scoring. Point hit the 40-goal mark for the third straight season with Tampa Bay. Known for his quick-strike ability and composure. He adds versatility and grit to Canada's forward group. Both players complement the star power of McDavid and Crosby with a balanced, two-way gam. And that translates well in Olympic competition; their selection also reflects Canada's focus on recent performance. Along with team chemistry, and adaptability on the international stage. Canada sets the tone early for Olympic gold push The early reveal of McDavid, Crosby, MacKinnon, Makar, Point, and Reinhart gives Canada a compelling mix of explosive skill and composed leadership. With the full roster to be finalized later this year, this first six announcement sends a clear message to the hockey world: Canada is not waiting to assert its dominance. Read more: Olympic news shocker as Gabriel Landeskog and William Nylander lead Team Sweden's NHL-loaded 2026 roster reveal The men's hockey tournament begins February 11, with the gold medal game scheduled for February 22 in Italy.
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Hockey Canada names six players to preliminary men's roster for 2026 Winter Olympics
Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid was among the headliners as Hockey Canada named the first six players to its preliminary men's hockey roster for the Milan Olympics. McDavid was joined on the early list by forward Nathan MacKinnon and defenceman Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point and Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart. 'We are excited to announce the first six players who will represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games next February, as these are six world-class players and leaders that are deserving of this recognition,' general manager Doug Armstrong said Monday in a statement. 'Sidney, Nathan, Cale, Connor, Brayden and Sam provide a strong foundation for a successful team and have been proven winners at all levels of their professional and international careers, and we look forward to all six being key contributors to our team as we look to accomplish our goal of winning Olympic gold.' Connor McDavid, one year after the sting of defeat, is ready to finally win the Stanley Cup The rest of the roster will be finalized early next year. The 12-country tournament begins Feb. 11. It will be the first time that NHL players participate in the Olympics since 2014 in Sochi, Russia. Canada defeated Sweden in the gold-medal game that year. Early roster announcements were also used ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament last February. McDavid scored the overtime winner to give Canada a 3-2 victory over the United States in the championship game in Boston. The event marked the first best-on-best competition since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. The main venue for the 12-day Olympic tournament will be the new 14,000-seat Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. The secondary venue will be the 5,700-seat Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Canada is in Group A with Czechia, Switzerland and France. Group B includes Finland, Sweden, Slovakia and host Italy. Group C has the United States, Germany, Latvia, and Denmark.
Global News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Makar wins Norris Trophy as NHL's top defenceman for 2nd time in his career
Cale Makar capped another banner NHL season with the award that goes to the league's top defenceman. The Colorado Avalanche blueliner claimed the James Norris Trophy for the 2024-25 campaign after also earning it in 2022. The 26-year-old from Calgary has been nominated for the Norris five times in his first six years in the league. Makar was the overwhelming choice of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters this year with 176 first-place votes among 191 cast. View image in full screen Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar looks on during a face-off during the first period of Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Dallas Stars in Dallas on April 28, 2025. AP Photo/Gareth Patterson His 1,861 voting points beat out runner-up Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets (1,266) and last year's winner Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks (918). Story continues below advertisement With 30 goals and 62 assists, Makar set an Avalanche record for points by a defenceman. He became the fifth defenceman all-time in the NHL to post back-to-back 90-point seasons and the first since Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis in 1989-90 and 1990-91. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Avalanche went 49-29-4 this past season before their elimination in the first round in seven games by the Dallas Stars. Makar was golfing in his hometown of Calgary when he was surprised by friends and family, including his wife and parents, with the trophy. The NHL posted a video of the celebration Wednesday. 'Any time you get recognized for something like this it's very cool,' Makar said in the video. 'It's very special to be able to do this a second time. 'It's truly a team award and we had a fun year, and it'll hopefully be more fun continuing, but this one's for them.' Story continues below advertisement Devon Toews, Makar's defensive partner with the Avs and with Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off, said in a video posted by the team, 'Congrats on your second Norris Trophy. I'm sure you'd have three or four more if I wasn't anchoring you down, but super-proud of you.' Added forward Nathan MacKinnon: 'Congratulations on your Norris. Feels like 10. Apparently, it's only two.' Makar opened the season with a 13-game point streak, which was the second-longest to start behind Bobby Orr's 15 games in 1973-74. Makar was also the first defenceman to score 30 goals since Mike Green's 31 with the Washington Capitals in 2008-09. He became the second active defenceman with multiple Norris wins, alongside Pittsburgh Penguin Erik Karlsson with three.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Cale Makar clinched the Norris Trophy there again in a truly special off-ice moment
Image Via Twitter (A surprising moment turned unforgettable for Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar) Most NHL stars get ready to gather and attend their award ceremonies as if they are scheduled well in advance. Makar's latest award came in the least considered time and circumstance, right in the middle of leisure golf. The 26-year-old defenseman was coming home, full of expectations, and stumbled upon all his loved ones, along with the Norris Trophy. It was so unscripted: a reflection of Makar's humble nature and his character as an on-ice genius. An extraordinary campaign for Cale Makar secures the honor for his third Norris Trophy triumph The 2024–25 NHL season of Cale Makar will go down in history as an exceptional one. Recording a mind-boggling 92 points consisting of 30 goals and 62 assists throughout 80 games, Makar not only did Makar surpassed his records, but he also carved his name into the annals of league history. Makar, who scored 30-or-more goals in one NHL season, became only the ninth defenseman to do so, the first to accomplish that feat since Mike Green in 2008–09 when he scored 31 goals. Makar went beyond just stats and truly dominated the special teams. His career-highs of 12 power-play goals and two short-handed goals showcased his versatility. His relentless spirit never dwindled; with over 25 minutes of ice time per game, he remained one of the core assets throughout Colorado's campaign. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Though the Avalanche's run for the Stanley Cup was cut short in the first round by the Dallas Stars, Makar's influence was felt far and wide. This Norris came to Makar, but it was no accident. He had already taken the honor back in 2021–22, being one of the favorites in the following seasons. The voting results showed the story: 1,861 points and an astounding 176 first-place votes, more than twice the amount given to finalists Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes. For Makar, it wasn't merely personal glory. He gave credit to his teammates, family, and friends for their unwavering support. While the moment was somehow unexpected, it was a celebration of the journey behind that very achievement. Also Read: 'Honored to represent my roots': Cale Makar on representing Team Canada in 4 Nations Face-Off Cale Makar's second Norris Trophy was not solely a career achievement, but the celebration of resilience, excellence, and joy arising from something improbable being realized. The stronger his season became and the stronger those backing him were, the more Makar's definition grew as one of the elite defensemen the NHL had produced: on the ice and sometimes even off the ice.
