Is the next Cale Makar already here? That's the question on everyone's mind as rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer takes the NHL by storm. This article dives deep into the stats, comparing Schaefer's explosive start to the established dominance of Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar, widely considered one of the best defensemen in the league. Buckle up, because we're about to uncover some fascinating insights!
Before their highly anticipated first NHL matchup, let's break down the numbers. Schaefer, just 18 years old, is making waves. He was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He's already drawing comparisons to Makar.
Schaefer is leading all defensemen in goals with seven, surpassing Makar's six. As the season approaches the one-quarter mark (Nov. 20), Schaefer is leading his rookie class in goals, points (15 in 18 games), power-play goals (four), and shots on goal (54). Makar, the No. 4 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, leads all defensemen in points (24 in 18 games) this season. Schaefer is tied for sixth at the position. Both Makar and Schaefer are tied for second among defensemen in power-play points (seven each).
Schaefer's impact is immediate. He scored an overtime goal against the Utah Mammoth, becoming the youngest player in NHL history to score a regular-season overtime goal (18 years, 70 days), breaking Sidney Crosby's record. And this is the part most people miss: He also became the youngest defenseman in history with a multi-goal game, a record previously held by Bobby Orr since 1966!
Makar, on the other hand, made his NHL debut during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He scored his first NHL goal in that game against the Calgary Flames. Makar is tied with Paul Coffey for second among defensemen in career points per game (1.09) during the regular season (minimum 200 games) behind Orr (1.39).
Makar's trophy cabinet is already legendary. At 27 years old, he's in his prime, boasting a Calder Trophy (2020), two Norris Trophies (2022, 2025), a Stanley Cup (2022), and a Conn Smythe Trophy.
Now, let's dive into the stats that show how these two defensemen stack up:
Skating Speed
Schaefer leads all defensemen in 20+ mph speed bursts this season (65), with Makar in fourth place (44). Makar has the highest max skating speed among defensemen (23.86 mph), with Schaefer close behind (22.93 mph). In terms of 22+ mph speed bursts, Makar and Schaefer are tied for third (five each). Makar ranks ninth among defensemen in total skating distance this season (66.56 miles), higher than Schaefer (59.69).Shot Speed
Schaefer has a slight edge in hardest shot (93.91 mph) over Makar (93.71). Makar shines in average shot speed (72.26 mph), while Schaefer (66.44) is slightly below the NHL average. Makar is in the top 10 in 90+ mph shot attempts (six), with Schaefer at two. Makar also leads in 80+ mph shot attempts (25) compared to Schaefer (16).Shots by Location
Schaefer leads Makar in high-danger and midrange shots on goal. Here's the breakdown:- High-danger shots on goal: Schaefer (7, third), Makar (5, tied for fifth).
- Midrange shots on goal: Schaefer (18, third), Makar (15, tied for fifth).
- Long-range shots on goal: Makar (24, ninth), Schaefer (20, just outside top 10).
Schaefer has more high-danger goals (two) than Makar (one), while Makar has more midrange goals (three) than Schaefer (two). Their offensive zone time percentages are also similar, with Makar (44.8) having a slight advantage over Schaefer (44.2).
But here's where it gets controversial... Could Schaefer actually surpass Makar? This early comparison suggests a potentially generational talent. It will be interesting to see how their careers unfold and how they continue to evolve.
What do you think? Is Schaefer the real deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
