Will the 2026 Olympics Become the Cale Makar Show?
As the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics approach, hockey fans are understandably focused on the star-studded lineup of Canadian centres: Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon. However, lurking in the shadows of these offensive powerhouses is a defensive dynamo who might just steal the spotlight.
The Underrated Force on the Blue Line
While casual fans might overlook him in favor of flashier forwards, Cale Makar represents what many consider to be the perfect modern defenceman. At just 27 years old, the Calgarian has already compiled an impressive resume with the Colorado Avalanche that includes a Stanley Cup championship, Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, two Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenceman, and the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year.
"He's an animal. He just doesn't quit," said Team Canada goalie Logan Thompson, who has faced Makar as an opponent in the NHL. "You can see it from here in practice, he's going all out. He gives all he's got."
The Complete Package
What makes Makar particularly valuable to Team Canada is his comprehensive skill set. Unlike many offensive-minded defencemen, Makar maintains exceptional defensive awareness and competitiveness.
"He's very competitive on the defensive side," noted teammate Nathan MacKinnon. "I think that's not super common for someone as good as him. He's super, super competitive on both sides of the puck."
This two-way excellence makes Makar particularly valuable in international competition, where possession and transition play become even more critical. His ability to retrieve pucks and initiate offense with lightning speed creates opportunities that might not otherwise exist.
The Makar Effect on Team Canada
On a team as deep as Canada's Olympic roster, Makar's presence provides a strategic advantage that extends beyond his individual statistics. His puck-moving abilities allow Canada to maintain offensive pressure while minimizing defensive exposure.
Brock Nelson, who played with Makar in Colorado and now represents Team USA, observed the defenceman's relentless drive firsthand: "When you see those guys, the ins and outs of the daily like him and Nate, how much they push each other all the time... they're always looking for an edge, just how dialled in they are."
Thompson, who has transitioned from facing Makar to playing alongside him, highlighted the defenceman's exceptional athleticism: "Him and Nathan MacKinnon, just how fast and agile they are. How they move, you know, so quick. And as a defenceman standing there, he can just go from zero to 100 in like nothing."
A Perfect Fit for Olympic Hockey
The larger international ice surface at the Olympics typically favors skilled, mobile defencemen who can control the game's tempo. Makar's combination of speed, vision, and defensive responsibility makes him ideally suited for this environment.
While Crosby, McDavid, and MacKinnon will undoubtedly command attention from opposing defenses, Makar's ability to quarterback plays from the blue line and transition from defense to offense in seconds could prove to be Canada's secret weapon. His presence ensures that even when the star forwards are contained, Canada maintains multiple offensive threats.
As the hockey world prepares for the 2026 Games, the question isn't whether Canada has enough star power—it's whether opponents can contain all of it. And with Cale Makar operating as both defensive anchor and offensive catalyst, that task becomes exponentially more difficult for any team hoping to challenge Canada's gold medal aspirations.
