Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes Go Head-to-Head for First Time in Playoffs
Jan 9, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) takes a shot on goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Avalanche superstar Cale Makar and Minnesota Wild’s Quinn Hughes have often been regarded as the two best defensemen currently in the game. Makar was the winner of the 2025 Norris Trophy, while Hughes collected the honor the previous year when he was still with the Vancouver Canucks.
The duo was also first and second in Calder Trophy votes in 2020, with Makar receiving the award as the rookie of the year. Less than three months ago, they went head-to-head for a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, and Hughes came out on top. Makar plays in Colorado and for Team Canada with Devon Toews.
Hughes plays in Minnesota and for Team USA alongside Brock Faber. They’ve been compared to each other in nearly every step of their young careers. And for the first time since both entered the league, they’re going head-to-head in a highly anticipated playoff matchup between two of the top three regular-season teams in the Western Conference.
“It’s fun to be able to have this in playoffs, but I don’t think, for me, it’s the main motivation,” Makar said on Saturday, as the Avalanche ramped up their preparation for Game 1. “I mean, he and Faber, in general, have been incredible. At the Olympics, too.
It’s fun watching those guys. They’re incredible at breaking up the puck, and then obviously they’re in every single rush too. They make forwards’ jobs a lot more challenging.
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