Introduction
The two Defensemen were both Calder Trophy finalists, but you can only have one. Makar is a fourth overall pick while Hughes is a seventh overall pick. You can’t go wrong with either stud, but ultimately, you have to make a choice. If you were beginning your team, would you rather have Cale Makar or Quinn Hughes? Who has better odds of entering the Hockey-Hall-of-Fame (HHOF) in 25 years?
Defenseman Skills
My ideal number one defenseman would be a great, all-around D-man with puck mobility, effortless skating, physical play, and a rock-hard defensive game. I believe Makar meets all those requirements to be a top defenseman in the NHL. Makar has dazzling footwork, exceptional skating, he is not pushed around on defense, he is offensive, and he plays rock-hard defense at 5-11 and 187 pounds. Hughes moves and skates the puck out well, but he does not match Makar’s great physicality or defense. At 5-10 and 175 pounds, Hughes generates great chances offensively, but he’s pushed around or becomes a liability defensively in the playoffs when the games matter most and penalties are rare. (In the clip, it’s in overtime where Hughes forechecks while Vancouver Canucks Forward Troy Stecher has to cover St. Louis Blues Forward Brayden Scheen, who is cherrypicking) Makar battles in front of the net when it matters most, and he is physical. Thus, I award this category to Cale Makar because he plays a better all-around game.
If Both Teams Swapped Blueliners
If both teams swapped these stars, who would be better and who would be worse? The Vancouver Canucks would have an all-around, top-notch D-man walking their bluelines and battling in all areas of the ice. He could easily elevate their entire team into a Stanley Cup champion. However, I cannot say the same for the Colorado Avalanche, Makar’s team. Right now, they are a championship-caliber, largely thanks to Makar’s contributions each night. Losing Makar’s all-around game, specifically the defense and physicality, would demote them into a darkhorse contender for the cup. Thus, I believe Vancouver would benefit most if Makar and Hughes swapped sides.
Conclusion
The comparison was not even close. Makar has what Quinn Hughes will likely never have: defense and physicality. I believe Makar can be a Norris Trophy contender for his entire career, but I can’t say the same for Hughes. The best defensemen have the best package of offense, defense, physicality, and skating. Makar is the real deal, but Hughes does not. If the two sides swapped players, Vancouver would be so much better. If I were starting a franchise, I would no doubt pick Makar way before Hughes. In 25 years, I believe Makar will be making an HHOF speech while Hughes might be another above-average defenseman.
I would rather have Cale Makar.
