In recent years, there’s been an arms race. A race for building the NHL’s deepest blueline of puck-movers with standout skill and offensive acumen.

The notable participants? The Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche. Jacob MacDonald, Greg Pateryn, Conor Timmins, and others have helped keep Colorado alive during injuries and COVID protocol – while proving they’re leading the race.  

Now, Colorado’s nearing double-digits in NHL defencemen with puck skills, transition, and offensive acumen as crucial skills. It’s vital to their success.

Let’s go back to 2017, particularly to June 23. The Avalanche picked Cale Makar with the No. 4-overall pick. It wasn’t quite as obvious then as it seems now. He was an AJHLer bound for UMass, a school with just 14 NHL alumni at