In a display of skill and dominance, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has etched his name into NHL history by reaching 400 career points in the third-fewest games among defensemen. As of February 24, 2025, Makar achieved this milestone in just 374 games, a feat that underscores his extraordinary talent and places him among the elite blue-liners in the league’s storied past.
Why Cale Makar’s Rapid Rise to 400 Points Sets Him Apart in NHL History
For hockey analysts and fans alike, Makar’s rapid ascent to 400 points is nothing short of remarkable. Historically, defensemen take longer to accumulate points due to their primary defensive responsibilities, but Makar’s offensive prowess rivals that of top forwards. The NHL stats graphic shared by @PR_NHL highlights this rarity, showing Makar requiring fewer games than even active forwards like Mitch Marner (392 games) and Steven Stamkos (382 games) to hit the same mark. Only two defensemen—Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey—reached 400 points faster, cementing Makar’s place in an exclusive club.
As an expert who’s closely followed the NHL for many years, I’ve rarely seen a defenseman combine such dynamic skating, vision, and puck-handling as Makar. Drafted fourth overall by the Avalanche in 2017, he burst onto the scene with the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year in 2019-20. Since then, he’s added a James Norris Memorial Trophy (2022) as the league’s best defenseman and a Conn Smythe Trophy (2022) as playoff MVP during the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup run. His ability to read the ice, make high-percentage decisions, and drive play from the back end is unparalleled, as evidenced by his current season-leading 64 points among defensemen.
At just 26, his trajectory suggests even more records are within reach, provided he stays healthy—a critical factor for any player of his caliber. For Avalanche fans and the broader hockey community, Makar’s achievement is a testament to his work ethic and the franchise’s commitment to building a dynasty.
This milestone isn’t just a statistic; it’s a beacon of what modern defensemen can achieve. Stay tuned for more updates on Makar’s journey and other NHL highlights.
