Cale Makar's Scoring Slump Creates Unexpected Norris Trophy Drama
For years, Cale Makar has established himself as not only one of the Colorado Avalanche's premier defensemen but also as one of the absolute best in the entire National Hockey League. With two Norris Trophies and one Conn Smythe Trophy already in his collection, Colorado's star blueliner has been uncharacteristically slow this season, particularly since the calendar turned to the new year.
A Dramatic Drop in Production
With a points-per-game average of just 0.75 during this recent stretch, Makar's offensive pace has been noticeably pale compared to his torrid early-season performance. This scoring slump has created unexpected and significant drama in the race for the NHL's best defenseman award, with less than two months remaining in the regular season schedule.
The Colorado Avalanche will desperately need Cale Makar to rediscover his top form once NHL action resumes. The Avalanche enter the Olympic break with an impressive 37-9-9 record and 83 points, firmly sitting atop the Central Division standings. However, their recent 3-3-0 stretch over the past six games suggests something tangible has shifted within the team's dynamic.
Analysts Point to Concerning Metrics
Questions are mounting about whether key players like Makar will rediscover their dominant form when NHL games resume on February 25. Makar has managed just 12 points in 16 games during the new year, representing a dramatic drop from his early-season dominance where he was nearly a point-per-game player.
According to detailed analysis from The Athletic's Sean Gentille and Dom Luszczyszyn in their latest power rankings, Makar has been "just average at five-on-five" during this concerning stretch of games. "That's well below his usual standard and has opened up the Norris Trophy race considerably," the analysts wrote explicitly. "Makar was on a tear to start the season. He's got to get back to that level."
A Rare Glimpse of Ordinary Play
This slump represents a rare glimpse of ordinary play from a defenseman who is so frequently and favorably compared to legendary Hall of Famer Bobby Orr. Makar still leads all NHL defensemen with 56 total points in 54 games played this season, but Columbus Blue Jackets defender Zach Werenski has closed the gap considerably with 61 points in just 51 games, including an impressive 19 goals.
The analysts notably pointed out that Colorado doesn't have a single player who hasn't exceeded expectations this remarkable season, which makes Makar's recent struggles stand out even more prominently. "Everyone has been that good," they wrote in explaining precisely why Makar was selected as the player who most needs to step up his performance.
A Brutal Schedule Awaits
Colorado faces an exceptionally brutal schedule immediately following the Olympic break. The Avalanche are scheduled to play five demanding games in just seven days, beginning with a challenging road contest at Utah on February 25, followed quickly by home games against Minnesota on February 26 and Chicago on February 28.
With the crucial March 6 trade deadline approaching rapidly and critical playoff seeding firmly on the line, the Avalanche need Makar operating at his typical elite level more than ever. His performance over the final 27 regular-season games could very well determine two significant outcomes: whether he captures his prestigious third Norris Trophy, and whether Colorado can maintain their historic pace toward the coveted Presidents' Trophy.
