Cale Makar is built different. Like Bobby Orr different.
The Colorado Avalanche defenseman not only hoisted the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 at Amalie Arena on Sunday but he was named the 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, putting him in rarified air. Makar joined Hockey Hall of Fame defensemen Bobby Orr and Nicklas Lidstrom on the short list of players to win the Norris Trophy -- given to the League's best defenseman -- and the Conn Smythe -- given to the playoff MVP -- in a single season. Orr congratulated Makar for the feat on social media.
Congratulations @Cmakar8 for a wonderful season! I couldn’t be happier for you and all your teammates @Avalanche
Orr won both accolades in 1970 and 1972 with the Boston Bruins. Lidstrom took home both awards in 2002 with the Detroit Red Wings. Twenty years later, Makar cemented his name alongside theirs in the history books.
Cale Makar became the … ▪️ 3rd @Avalanche player, ▪️ 11th different defenseman (Bobby Orr won 2x), ▪️ 12th player age 23 or younger
Makar won the Hobey Baker Award in 2019, given to the best player in college hockey, and the Calder Trophy in 2020, given to the NHL's rookie of the year. With the addition of the Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy, Makar is the first player in history to win all four. And all that at just 23 years old.
