The NHL season is just a month old and this could be filed under the “Way Too Early Stats” folder, but it’s hard to ignore Avalanche rookie Cale Makar’s big numbers.
Through 12 games, the newly turned 21-year-old has already tallied 10 points — a goal and nine assists. He’s on pace for 68 points on year, which would obliterate the record for an Avs rookie defenseman since the team moved to Colorado — 34 by John-Michael Liles in the 2003-04 season.
Heck, he’d destroy the franchise record owned by Bruce Bell, who totaled 37 for the Quebec Nordiques in 1984-85.
Makar also had the third highest-scoring October for an Avs rookie, tied with Paul Stastny (2006-07). Only Marek Svatos (2005-06) and Ryan O’Reilly (2009-10), who each accrued 11, had more.
Only time will tell if Makar can keep up the pace. Including his 10 playoff games last year, he’s averaging 0.73 points through 22 games. But even O’Reilly and his torrid start only finished the year with 26 points in 81 games.
But if Makar does, here’s a couple of other team marks he could set: Paul Stastny owns the Colorado record for most points for a rookie at 78 in 2006-07. And the mark for most points by an Avs defenseman is held by Sandis Ozolinsh, who had 68 (23 goals and 48 assists).
By the way: Hall of Famer Larry Murphy holds the NHL record with 76 points (16 goals, 60 assists) with the Los Angeles Kings in the 1980-81 season.
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter or by email.
— , The Denver Post
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
What’s on Tap?
- Avalanche: Dallas Stars, 7 p.m. Friday, ALT |
- Air Force football: Army, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, CBSSN |
- CSU football: UNLV, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM |
- Northern Colorado football: At Idaho State, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, ALT2 |
- CU football: At UCLA, 7 p.m. Saturday, PAC12 |
- Nuggets: At Orlando Magic, 5 p.m. Saturday, ALT/NBA |
- Avalanche: At Arizona Coyotes, 7 p.m. Saturday, ALT2 |
- Broncos: Cleveland Browns, 2:25 p.m. Sunday, KCNC-4 |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
NBA: Pelicans 122, Nuggets 107
Full story |
.
Must-Read
Avalanche’s Cale Makar celebrates 21st birthday with increased physicality: “He’s got a little edge to his game”
Cale Makar turned 21 on Wednesday and the Avalanche defenseman celebrated with a brief brawl inside the Pepsi Center. Go ahead and put the bouncer on notice. Makar isn’t afraid to fight.
Physicality was not isolated to this single moment on Wednesday night. In the context of player development, though, Makar’s willingness to get tough is worth a second look, Kyle Fredrickson reports. Read more…
Von Miller hopes the Broncos are about to have their Gardner Minshew moment on Sunday against the Browns
Can Brandon Allen, making his first NFL start Sunday against Cleveland in place of the injured Joe Flacco, inject the same sort of life into Denver as Minshew Mania has in Jacksonville? Miller said itap not out of the realm of possibility, Kyle Newman writes. Read more…
Altitude Sports reaches deal with DirecTV, ending two-month standoff with distributor
The broadcast will essentially be a re-launch of the provider’s former version of Altitude, with no major visual changes. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Former Pioneers reflect on seven decades of glory as DU hockey celebrates 70th season
+ Broncos play-caller Rich Scangarello on Colts game: “I thought we were aggressive”
+ Avalanche Insider: Everything you need to know about the Avs hot start, Altitude Sports dispute, top stories and more
+ Gerrit Cole moves on from Astros: “Technically, I’m unemployed”
+ Could Will Barton’s toe injury open up minutes for Michael Porter Jr. or Juancho Hernangomez?
+ After impressive cameo against USC, Blake Stenstrom ready for CU Buffs if called upon
+ Odell Beckham Jr. has Baker Mayfield’s back, believes Browns close to breakout.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
10
Colorado high school football scoreboard: Week 10
Parting Shot
Nebraska’s Luke McCaffrey, Christian’s baby brother, toughened up in backyard
Luke has the look of the Cornhuskers’ quarterback of the future, his skills and ability to freelance honed in those rough-and-tumble games back home in suburban Denver. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
