The Colorado Avalanche selected defenseman Cale Makar with the fourth-overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.
Cale Makar
Position: Defense
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 175 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
Nationality: Canadian
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 24 | 51 | 75 |
Makar is one of the most intriguing players in the entire draft. He played in the Alberta Junior Hockey League this past season, which is far worse competition than any other top prospect faced. However, he dominated that competition, recording well over a point per game as a defenseman. Watching his highlights, he was essentially a man among boys.
Despite the lack of strong competition, NHL Central Scouting still has Makarlisted as the ninth-ranked North American prospect - one spot up from his midseason ranking. With his strong skating, elite offensive skills, pinpoint shot accuracy, and slender build, he's even drawn comparisons to Erik Karlsson.
"I’m not saying he’s Erik Karlsson because we’re talking about a superstar and one of the great defensemen of his era, but (Makar) plays the game like that. He’s dynamic into the attack with the puck, making plays. He’s really, really top-notch. I think everything he has translates to the next level. I don’t worry that he’s in the AJHL. It’s not a negative for me." - TSN's Craig Button.