When it comes to the NHL’s top defensemen, two names that have been making waves in recent years are Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Adam Fox of the New York Rangers. These young stars have quickly risen through the ranks and established themselves as elite players in the league. Let’s take a closer look at their performances and how they stack up against the competition.
Cale Makar, the 22-year-old defenseman for the Avalanche, burst onto the scene in the 2019-2020 season and hasn’t looked back since. Known for his exceptional skating ability and offensive prowess, Makar has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch in the NHL. In his rookie season, he tallied an impressive 50 points in just 57 games, earning him the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. Makar’s ability to control the game from the blue line with his smooth skating and accurate shot has made him a nightmare for opposing teams. His offensive contributions combined with his solid defensive play make him a well-rounded defenseman and a force to be reckoned with.
Adam Fox, on the other hand, took a slightly different path to success. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2016, he was later traded to the Carolina Hurricanes before finally finding his home with the New York Rangers. In his second season with the Rangers, Fox has emerged as one of the league’s premier defensemen. Known for his exceptional hockey IQ and playmaking abilities, Fox has been a catalyst for the Rangers’ offense. His ability to read plays and make smart decisions with the puck has earned him comparisons to some of the game’s greatest defensemen. Despite being just 23 years old, Fox plays with a maturity and poise beyond his years, making him a key contributor to the Rangers’ success.
Now that we’ve highlighted Makar and Fox, let’s take a look at how they stack up against the other top defensemen in the league.
1. Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning): A perennial Norris Trophy contender, Hedman is a dominant force on both ends of the ice. His size, skating ability, and offensive skills make him a nightmare for opposing forwards.
2. Roman Josi (Nashville Predators): Josi’s smooth skating and offensive instincts have made him one of the most consistent defensemen in the league. He consistently puts up impressive point totals while also playing a strong defensive game.
3. John Carlson (Washington Capitals): Known for his offensive contributions, Carlson led all defensemen in scoring during the 2019-2020 season. His ability to quarterback the power play and generate scoring chances makes him a valuable asset to the Capitals.
4. Dougie Hamilton (Carolina Hurricanes): Hamilton’s combination of size, skill, and offensive instincts make him a dangerous player in all situations. His ability to contribute offensively while also playing a strong defensive game sets him apart.
5. Shea Theodore (Vegas Golden Knights): Theodore’s smooth skating and offensive abilities have made him a key contributor to the Golden Knights’ success. He possesses a lethal shot and is a threat to score every time he touches the puck.
6. Alex Pietrangelo (Vegas Golden Knights): After signing with the Golden Knights in the offseason, Pietrangelo has seamlessly fit into their lineup. Known for his strong defensive play and leadership qualities, he brings stability to the blue line.
7. Kris Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins): Letang’s offensive skills and ability to join the rush make him a dangerous player in the offensive zone. He has been a key part of the Penguins’ success for over a decade.
8. Seth Jones (Columbus Blue Jackets): Jones is a well-rounded defenseman who excels in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. His size and skating ability make him a difficult player to play against.
9. Brent Burns (San Jose Sharks): Known for his unique style and impressive beard, Burns is a dynamic player who brings a combination of offensive skill and physicality to the ice. His ability to contribute offensively while also playing a solid defensive game makes him a valuable asset to the Sharks.
10. Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) and Adam Fox (New York Rangers): Makar and Fox round out the top 10 with their exceptional performances and potential for future success. Both players have already made significant impacts on their respective teams and have bright futures ahead of them.
In conclusion, Cale Makar and Adam Fox have quickly established themselves as two of the NHL’s top defensemen. Their offensive contributions, defensive skills, and overall impact on the game make them standout players in a league filled with talent. As they continue to develop and hone their skills, it’s safe to say that Makar and Fox will be leading the way for the next generation of elite NHL defensemen.
