Cale Makar continues to build an impressive early career.
The Colorado Avalanche star defenseman scored his 30th goal of the season on Thursday. He achieved this with a power-play goal in the second period, contributing to a 7-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Makar, aged 26, is only the second defenseman in the 21st century to reach the 30-goal mark. The first was Mike Green, who scored 31 goals for the Washington Capitals in the 2008-09 season.
He is the ninth defenseman in the history of the NHL to achieve this milestone. Besides Mike Green, the other defensemen who have scored 30 or more goals in a season are legendary players such as Ray Bourque, Paul Coffey (four times), Kevin Hatcher, Phil Housley, Bobby Orr (four times), Denis Potvin (three times), and Doug Wilson.
Paul Coffey holds the record for the most goals by a defenseman in a season with 48 goals in 1985-86.
In the game against the Blue Jackets, Makar also contributed two assists, bringing his season total to a league-leading 90 points.
This win secured a playoff spot for the Avalanche.
Tristan Blackwood