Cale Makar

Injuries limited Makar to 60 games in 2022-23, but the talented defender still managed to register 17 goals and 66 points. He logged a career-high 26:23 of ice time per contest and posted 2.93 shots per game. Makar finished sixth among all NHL blueliners with 30 power-play points and ranked second among all rearguards with 1.10 points per contest. He has been a top-three finisher in Norris Trophy votes in each of the past three seasons, cementing himself as one of the best fantasy defenders in the league. Makar should be the first defenseman off the board on draft day, as he could flirt with the 90-point plateau if he can avoid extended stretches on injured reserve.

A legitimate generational talent from the back end, Makar led all NHL rearguards in goals this past season with 28, while finishing second to Nashville's Roman Josi in points with 86. Makar won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman before adding a Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP to his collection. Given all he has accomplished to date, it is important to remember Makar won't turn 24 years of age until late October and has just three full NHL seasons under his belt. It's scary to think what Makar's numbers might look like when all is said and done, but one thing that doesn't appear to be up for debate is the fact he deserves to be the top defender off the board in all fantasy leagues this coming fall, and perhaps a top-five player overall. Makar is that good.

At just 22 years old, Makar is just getting going at the NHL level. He had a point-per-game effort with eight goals and 36 assists in 44 contests last season. He's emerged as an elite all-around defenseman and the lynchpin of the Avalanche's blue line. There's no doubt Makar could still improve as he enters his third NHL campaign, which will likely be the first one he has a chance to play a full 82-game slate. Assuming he doesn't miss too much time to injuries, the Alberta native has a realistic chance to top 60 points, with roughly 25 of them coming on the power play. He'll also be reliable in plus-minus rating and shot production, although he's only likely to put up modest totals in hits and blocked shots. He's a top-five blueliner already -- fantasy managers need not hesitate to draft him.

The reigning Calder Trophy winner was brilliant in his rookie season in 2019-20, scoring 50 points in 57 games. He came in with high expectations after making his NHL debut during the previous season's playoffs and still managed to smash them, transforming the Avalanche into one of the most feared offensive teams with his strong skating ability and elite wrist shot. Makar ranked seventh in even-strength points and 10th in power-play points among defensemen last year, and in the process established himself as the rare, top-tier, point-per-game defenseman in fantasy. There may be some hiccups along the way in his second season, but the upside is worth the risk, which means Makar will be one of the most sought-after defensemen in all fantasy formats.

The time is now for Makar, as the offseason departure of Tyson Barrie has fully paved the way for Colorado's 2017 fourth overall pick to emerge as a full-time NHLer. Lauded for his high hockey IQ and supreme awareness from the blue line, Makar deposited 21 goals and 49 assists between 75 games with UMass-Amherst over the last two seasons. The Avalanche figured he'd provide an offensive spark in the playoffs, so the Calgary native signed on the dotted line on a three-year, entry-level contract and proceeded to record six points through 10 postseason games, including the unforgettable achievement of becoming the first defenseman in history to score a playoff goal in his NHL debut. Naturally, there is a lot of hype surrounding Makar, and it's simply a race against time to acquire him at a reasonable price in the fantasy arena.

Makar has yet to sign his entry-level contract despite being selected fourth overall by the Avalanche in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, instead electing to return to UMass-Amherst after posting 21 points -- five goals and 16 assists -- and a plus-9 rating over 34 games last season. It wouldn't be a big surprise if he inks his professional contract immediately following the 2018-19 collegiate season, allowing him to get a small taste of professional hockey before the season concludes, but he mainly holds value in dynasty formats this season.