Cale Makar is making an indelible mark on the Olympic stage, proving that experience isn't always the only measure of greatness! Even though he's newer to international play compared to legends like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, this young defenseman is already showcasing why he's a vital part of Team Canada's quest for gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Sidney Crosby, a true icon of the game, is leading the charge as Canada's captain for his fourth major best-on-best tournament. With three Stanley Cups, two Art Ross trophies, and over 1,400 NHL games under his belt, his presence alone is a testament to his enduring legacy. Then there's Connor McDavid, widely regarded as the world's best player. While he might be making his Olympic debut alongside 22 other Canadian teammates, his five Art Ross trophies and over 750 NHL games made him a clear choice for alternate captain.
Now, let's talk about Cale Makar. At just 27 years old, his NHL experience might seem modest compared to Crosby and McDavid. However, when the decision was made to award him an 'A' on his jersey for both the 4 Nations Faceoff and the upcoming Olympics, his impressive resume spoke volumes. He's already a Stanley Cup champion, a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and a two-time Norris Trophy recipient. These accolades demonstrate that his talent and impact are on par with the game's elite.
Makar recently netted his first Olympic goal during Canada's dominant 10-2 victory over France on Sunday. This power-play marker in the second period capped off his group stage performance with a respectable one goal and three assists. When asked what his younger self, growing up in Calgary, Alberta, would think of this moment, Makar's response revealed his leadership qualities: "Hopefully, that he can do it in an important game." This humble yet ambitious outlook is precisely what makes him a standout.
Team Canada is now advancing to the quarterfinals, where they'll face the winner of the Czechia and Denmark matchup. It's hard to imagine Canada faltering on their path to the gold medal game, especially with their key players performing at such a high level. But here's where it gets interesting... While the team's offensive firepower is undeniable, the focus on Makar's defensive contributions is equally crucial.
Tied with McDavid for the best plus-minus rating at a remarkable plus-7, Makar has been instrumental in Canada's power play, which is currently leading the tournament with four goals in three games. He's not just a scorer; his elite ability to control and distribute the puck on the man-advantage, alongside teammates like Crosby, McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sam Reinhart, makes Canada's power play a truly fearsome unit.
Skating on the top defensive pairing with his Colorado Avalanche teammate Devon Toews, Makar has been as effective on the Olympic ice as he is in the NHL. The comfort and chemistry between these two are palpable, a testament to their six years of playing together. As Toews mentioned after Canada secured the top spot in their preliminary round group, "We’ve played together for six odd years now, or whatever it is now, but we understand each other. He understands what I do well and when I need him, and I understand when he needs me, and I try to get the puck in his hands as often as possible because he’s so dynamic. He’s one of the best players in the world for a reason."
And this is the part most people miss... Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the NHL's previous absence from the Olympics, Makar's international experience has been somewhat limited. He represented Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 4 Nations tournament before arriving in Milan. His standout performance at the 2016 World Junior A Challenge, where he became the first defenseman in the tournament's history to record five points in a single game, foreshadowed the brilliance we're now witnessing on the Olympic stage.
As Makar looks ahead to the knockout rounds, he's focused on continuous improvement: "Really looking forward to it. Regardless of who the opponent is, we’re going to be playing somebody really good. So for us it’s just continue each of these days to get a little bit better and put ourselves in the right spot and right head space to be really good the next game."
What do you think? Is Cale Makar's rapid ascent to becoming a key leader on Team Canada a sign of a new era in international hockey, or is it simply a testament to his exceptional individual talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
