COLORADO HOCKEY DAILY | NHL TEAM | COLORADO AVALANCHE

New report unveils the true state of the Colorado Avalanche blue line

PUBLICATION

Marshall Stinson
December 20, 2025 (11:25)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Colorado Avalanche are the NHL's top team, thanks in large part to their elite defensive corps. With Cale Makar and Devon Toews leading the way, and Brent Burns and Sam Malinski making huge contributions this season, it's easy to see why they're so dominant.

Cale Makar is of course the glue that holds the pieces together. Without him the D-core isn't nearly as good.

How good is the Colorado Avalanche defensive core?

Nestor Quixtan of Mile High Sticking highlighted just how far ahead the Avalanche's blue line is compared to the rest of the league. With two elite defensemen in Toews and Makar, it's clear why their defense is so dominant.

"The Avs lead the league with 83 points by defensemen. Leading the way is Makar with 35 of those 83 points. In the three games Makar has played since the study was released, he's tacked on a goal and two assists. Incredibly, Makar is an above point-per-game defenseman in the league. That's something very few blueliners can boast at any point in their careers." -Quixtan

While Makar handles most of the offensive output from the Avalanche's blue line, the other three defensemen have significantly stepped up this season.

Even Toews, traditionally a defensive-minded defenseman, is contributing to the scoresheet. His strong shutdown play is what allows Makar to take risks and fully unleash his offensive game.

"But the second fact is that the Avalanche have other scoring defensemen. Interestingly, Sam Malinski is behind Makar with three goals and 18 points this season. Brent Burns has four goals and 17 points. Even Toews, who's primarily a defensive defenseman, has 11 points." -Quixtan

In short, the Avalanche's defensive corps is arguably the biggest reason for their success. Their fast-paced, high-risk style only works because their defensemen can keep up and cover for the forwards when needed.

Not only do they shut down opponents, but they also contribute offensively, making them a complete and dominant unit.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

Colorado Avalanche reach historic heights with their latest victory over Winnipeg

Insider reveals where Mackenzie Blackwood really stands with Team Canada ahead of the Winter Olympics

One glaring flaw still haunts the Avalanche after Friday's 3-2 win over the Jets

POLL
DECEMBRE 20 \| 29 ANSWERS New report unveils the true state of the Colorado Avalanche blue line Is the Colorado Avalanche D-core of Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Brent Burns and Sam Malinski the best in the NHL?
Yes	26	89.7 %
No	3	10.3 %
List of polls

New report unveils the true state of the Colorado Avalanche blue line

The Colorado Avalanche are the NHL's top team, thanks in large part to their elite defensive corps. With Cale Makar and Devon Toews leading the way, and Brent Burns and Sam Malinski making huge contributions this season, it's easy to see why they're so dominant.

How good is the Colorado Avalanche defensive core?

Is the Colorado Avalanche D-core of Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Brent Burns and Sam Malinski the best in the NHL?