Avalanche Star's Latest Record-Setting Feat Underscores His Hockey Hall-Of-Fame Path

Avalanche superstar defenseman Cale Makar scored his 100th career NHL goal in his 362nd game Saturday, making him the fifth-fastest NHL blueliner to hit the 100-goal mark in the modern era. And while the names ahead of Makar on that goal-scoring-defenseman list are the best D-men to ever play the game -- including Bobby Orr (whose 100th goal came in 299 games), Paul Coffey (300), Raymond Bourque (329) and Denis Potvin (348) -- Makar's latest feat only underscores his status as an-in-the-making Hockey Hall-of-Famer.

We forget sometimes that Makar is still only 26 years old. But already in his career, Makar has one Stanley Cup championship, a Calder Trophy as the NHL's best rookie, a Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, and a Norris Trophy as the game's top defenseman. If, hockey gods forbid, Makar's career ended today, he'd still have done enough to one day be welcomed into the HHOF. And he's still got another decade in him to put together many more records than the ones he already owns.

Related: Cale Makar breaks Avalanche team record

Makar is one of the game's best bargains at $9-million per season, and he's just beginning to enter his prime. He's going to be a finalist for another Norris this season, and he just might win it. And whatever success the Avs have will be in no small part because he helped carry them to rare-air heights.

Related: Cale Makar continues to set, tie records in 3-1 victory over Calgary Flames