Makar, of the Colorado Avalanche, discussed his admiration for fellow defensemen Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, and the ability to play freely under coach Jared Bednar. He has seven assists in seven games, six on the power play, and is averaging 26:13 of ice time per game, third in the NHL behind defensemen Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings (27:34) and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks (27:14).
The Avalanche (4-2-1) visit the New York Islanders on Saturday. Makar is the reigning Norris Trophy winner voted as the best defenseman in the NHL and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when his 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists) helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup.
"When I watch the game, I always look looking for guys with hockey sense," Makar said. "You look at all the great D-men right now, Hedman, Josi,
(Dallas Stars), all the young guys coming up. It's pretty incredible."
Zegras, a forward for the Anaheim Ducks, shared details about working with his skills coach, Hockey Hall of Famer Adam Oates, and a new move that's up his sleeve. He scored two lacrosse-style goals last season.
"I'm trying to come up with different things, maybe things around the net that are a little different," Zegras said. "It could be good. It could be terrible."
Zegras has five points (four goals, one assist) in seven games this season.
Anaheim (1-5-1) has lost six in a row. It visits the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday.
"The Chirp with Daren Millard"
features interviews with players, executives, alumni and other personalities around the game. You can share your thoughts on Twitter using the hashtag #ChirpMallard.
