Most defensemen survive pressure—Makar weaponizes it. When opponents send speed and bodies, he reads the moment, pounces on loose pucks, and turns the same pressure into instant opportunity going the other way.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is playing at a level that no modern defenseman can compete with. The 26-year-old blue liner is simply in a class of his own. To find an accurate comparison, you would have to look to the past. This might shock some ...