NEW YORK – Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, who led all rookies in goals (7), points (16), game-winning goals (3), plus/minus (+10) and average time on ice (21:25) in 14 contests, has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for November.
Makar edged New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (4-8—12 in 15 GP), Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (1-11—12 in 14 GP), Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Necas (4-6—10 in 14 GP), Buffalo Sabres right wing Victor Olofsson (4-6—10 in 14 GP) and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman John Marino (2-8—10 in 14 GP) for the honor.
Makar became the fifth rookie defenseman in NHL history to record seven or more goals within a single calendar month – and the first since Brian Leetch in January 1989 (7-9—16 in 13 GP w/ NYR). Makar also became the first rookie blueliner with 16-plus points in one calendar month since Alexei Zhitnik in March 1993 (5-14—19 in 14 GP).
Meanwhile, Makar’s three game-winning goals – registered Nov. 9 vs. CBJ, Nov. 12 at WPG and Nov. 29 at CHI – were the most by any rookie defenseman within a single calendar month in NHL history.
The 21-year-old Calgary native – who made his League debut during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs with the winning goal against his hometown Flames – tops rookies with 8-18—26 through 26 total outings this season. Makar’s 26 points are the fourth-most by any NHL defenseman through his first 26 career regular-season games, behind only Harry Cameron (22‑14—36 from 1917-19 w/ TAN), Larry Murphy (5-24—29 in 1980-81 w/ LAK) and Hap Day (10-17—27 in 1924-25 w/ TSP).
Makar, the fourth overall selection in the 2017 NHL Draft, joins Olofsson (October) as a “Rookie of the Month” winner in 2019-20.
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