Aarif Deen
Breaking records and hitting milestones isn’t out of the ordinary for Cale Makar. But the latest feat accomplished by the superstar Avalanche defenseman might be the best one yet.
Makar unleashed a one-timer off a set-up from Nathan MacKinnon in the second period of a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday for his 30th goal of the season.
He’s just the ninth defenseman in NHL history to reach the mark and the first since Mike Green in 2008-09.
Makar scored in three straight games to get there in game No. 77.
As of the second intermission, Makar has 30 goals, 59 assists, and 89 points. He’s one away from tying his career high and two from passing it.
Makar leads all defensemen in each of the three categories.
His 12 power-play goals are more than double the next closest blueliner. He also has 34 points on the man advantage, which is eight more than second place.
Before Cale Makar, eight NHL defensemen had scored 30 goals. It had been done 17 times.
Makar is the ninth to ever do it.
The first in 16 years.
The second since 1989.He's 26 years old pic.twitter.com/c0qsivIb6V
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) April 4, 2025