Will Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar bring home more hardware?
As much of this discussion has rightfully centered on the Colorado Avalanche’s quest for the Stanley Cup, there are several individual trophies within reach for the two franchise pillars, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. It’s clear both drive the success the Avalanche achieve, as evidenced by the 4-16-2 record when neither of them hit the scoresheet, and could be recognized — again — by the NHL for their contributions.
Avs are 4-16-2 over the last two seasons when MacKinnon and Makar are scoreless in the same game.
It wasn’t a problem last night when both were held in check in a 4-2 win over Calgary.— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) March 15, 2025
Despite MacKinnon and Makar combining for the overtime winner against the Dallas Stars and leading the league in points at their respective positions, both are not a unanimous choice to win individual trophies.
Avalanche superstar center MacKinnon is the reigning Hart Trophy winner as the league’s MVP but according to some betting odds on the web, such as from Fanduel for example, it is actually Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl who has the slight edge. Currently Draisaitl trails in points with 101 to MacKinnon’s 103. Maybe the fact that Draisaitl had 49 goals is driving the odds or the situation that the Oilers forward has 15 more points than teammate Connor McDavid.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who should run away with his third Vezina Trophy for the league’s best goaltender, also has a little edge over MacKinnon. Winnipeg currently leads the NHL with 98 points and Hellebuyck’s .927 is certainly a factor but not the only reason for their high level of success.
Some voters feel goalies already have their own award so it’s tough to see Hellebuyck have enough support to take the trophy over both former Hart winners Draisaitl and MacKinnon. It might come down to points and if MacKinnon can maintain his lead in that category then it would be hard to imagine he doesn’t take home the hardware for a second year in a row. There is also the Art Ross Trophy given to the player with the most points at regular season’s end which is another possible award for MacKinnon as well.
CALE MAKAR OVERTIME WINNER
HE’S JUST TOO GOOD pic.twitter.com/iOLVJRcQ2d
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 16, 2025
As far as superstar defenseman Makar, he is currently in the lead in odds to win the Norris trophy. A recent surge to 78 points has put him top 10 in the NHL in scoring and Makar has a healthy lead in points at the defense position. Reigning Norris winner Quinn Hughes would be closer in the conversation if he hadn’t just missed time with injury but he’s a distant third right now.
The surprise season by the Columbus Blue Jackets has put a lot of spotlight on Zach Warenski as they are in the mix to grab a playoff berth. Werenski leads his team with 69 points and has already surpassed his career highs. The odds place him as Makar’s closest competitor at this point. It may come down to total points in this race as well and the argument that Werenski leads in 5v5 points might come up if it’s close down the stretch.
MacKinnon and Makar are already recognized as the Avalanche’s best players on ice and with trophies already etched. But it is possible both with add one more each in a season where they could potentially reach new heights personally as they hope the season has a special ending.