Cale Makar. Photo: Joel Marklund, Bildbyran
NHL Prospects

COHEN: Cale Makar turning pro now? Not a slam dunk

Cale Makar was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche with the 4th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. He’s a highly talented defenseman who is having a breakthrough year as the captain of U-Mass. As much as the Avalanche would love to get Makar into the fold with the big club, they respect his loyalty to the University and his commitment to getting an education. They aren’t going to rush him. They know what they have in him. They respect the hell out of this emerging star so the ball is in his court and the team will just wait for the day that he makes the decision to make the next step.
 
Makar’s first year on campus was very successful. In 2017-18, he had five goals and 21 points in 34 games. He was on the all-rookie team and he was the New England Rookie of the Year. In that same calendar year, he got to represent Team Canada in the U20 World Junior Championship. On that team, he played a role and he still managed to get eight points in seven games. He ended up winning a gold medal, most goals by a defenseman with three, most points by a defenseman and a Top Three Player on the team. After a great year like that, he went back to school. Some may have reported straight to the NHL, but he didn’t. He’s a bit different from the rest.
 
The Canadian prospect wanted to build up the program. He’s been doing that with his play and his talking up the campus. That doesn’t mean he will automatically stay for his junior season, but what that means is he will likely take his time to decide. He may even agonize over it and he may wait until his exams are over to decide. None of that would surprise me. None of that would surprise the Avalanche either. They’re prepared for all of it.
 
Still, in the midst of his sophomore season, he’s been all-world. In 36 games this captain has 15 goals and 46 points (breaking the former record of 39 points by a Hockey East defenseman, that was Brian Leetch back in 1987) in 36 games. It’s an unbelievable productive year and he could lead his team very far into the playoffs and maybe in the Frozen Four. It’s possible, he has a good team and he’s the engine that makes it run so well.
 
If Makar were to leave, there’s no doubt in my mind he would be playing with the Avalanche. He wouldn’t report to the AHL. There won’t be any talk of that. He’s going to play for Colorado. I doubt you can find a person in the organization that doesn’t think the 20-year-old can have an impact at the highest level. Finding the right spot for him to play and the right number of minutes to start will all be a work in progress, but coaches love Makar.
 
UMass has never won the Hockey East tournament. They’re now looking to win their first. If for some reason they get eliminated I could see Makar wanting to go back to try and win it again next year. That could really advance the program for a lot of years and that would still be looked at as a great challenge for next year. If they were to win it this year, then he might be able to walk away feeling like his contribution will really springboard his alma mater in the future. 
 
The talented rearguard has made it to the Top 10 in the Hobey Baker running. Some are saying he’s a “slam dunk” and while that may be true there’s a very talented field so you can never take it for granted. Winning this prestigious award could be another step in closing out what has already been a terrific college career. Not every Hobey Baker winner makes an impact in the NHL but if he wins, this one will. There’s little doubt about that. 
 
Makar has had a five-point game. He’s so good at leading the rush and his shot goes right on net, or in, he does everything with a purpose out there on every shift. He can score even with tight coverage. That will serve him well at any level especially in the NHL someday. Nobody talks about his height or weight anymore. They did during his draft year and shortly after that. We’re moving into a different era in pro hockey where that’s becoming less and less important and being a great skater is one of the most important attributes a player can exhibit. Makar has that covered. He could end up being one of the best in that area of his game. 
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