NHL·ANALYSIS·August 9, 2026 11:16 PM ET

Cale Makar tops NHL Network defensemen list for fifth straight year

Troy Renck called the result unsurprising.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 101 min read

Not a surprise Via @TroyRenck on X

What happened: The ranking came through NHL Network's Top Players series. Makar again represents the Colorado Avalanche at the top of his position.

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Why it matters: The selection keeps Makar as the network's benchmark among current NHL defensemen. His five-year hold on the spot gives Colorado continuity at a premium position.

What to watch: Makar's performance in the 2026-27 season will shape whether the run reaches a sixth year.

Sources

@TroyRenck 2026-08-10T03:09:46.831276+00:00

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