Team Canada has officially hit the ice in preparation for the upcoming Olympics, and if the first practice is any indication, the defensive blueprint is already taking shape - with a familiar Colorado connection anchoring the top pair.
Devon Toews and Cale Makar, the Colorado Avalanche’s elite defensive duo, opened practice skating side by side on Canada’s top pairing. It’s a move that makes all kinds of sense - not just because of their chemistry, but because of what each brings to the table. This isn’t just about comfort or familiarity; this is about maximizing performance on international hockey’s biggest stage.
Toews and Makar have been one of the most effective defensive tandems in the NHL for years now. Their on-ice synergy is second nature - a seamless blend of Makar’s dynamic, puck-moving brilliance and Toews’ elite positional play and defensive awareness.
Separating them would have been a gamble. Keeping them together?
That’s just smart hockey.
Head coach Jon Cooper experimented with splitting them up during the 4 Nations Face-Off last season, but the early signs from Olympic camp suggest he’s leaning into what works. And when you’re building a defense corps for a gold-medal run, leaning into proven chemistry is never a bad idea.
Makar, a right-handed shot, and Toews, a lefty, naturally complement each other. But beyond handedness, it’s their styles that mesh so well.
Makar thrives with the freedom to activate offensively, knowing Toews has the awareness and skating to cover when needed. It’s a relationship built on trust, and that trust translates to elite-level execution.
Looking deeper into Canada’s blue line options, it becomes clear why this pairing is so valuable. While there are other strong defenders in the mix - including Colton Parayko, a shutdown presence from St.
Louis - the left side of Canada’s defense lacks the same level of two-way polish that Toews provides. Parayko, a right shot, doesn’t offer the same natural fit alongside Makar.
And while someone like Travis Sanheim could be a serviceable partner in a pinch, there’s no substitute for the kind of chemistry Toews and Makar have built over years of NHL battles.
Both players would have earned spots on this roster regardless of their connection. But keeping them together is about more than just familiarity - it’s about creating a top pairing that can control play, shut down opposing top lines, and drive transition in a tournament where every shift matters.
Makar’s role goes beyond his play on the ice. On Sunday, he was named an alternate captain for Team Canada - a nod not only to his skill, but to his leadership and presence in the locker room. At just 26 years old, Makar is already viewed as one of the best defensemen in the world, and now he’ll carry the added responsibility of helping guide this team through the pressure cooker of Olympic competition.
For Avalanche fans, seeing their star defenseman wear a letter for Team Canada is just another reason to be proud. For the rest of the hockey world, it’s a reminder that Canada isn’t just bringing talent - they’re bringing continuity, leadership, and a defensive pairing that knows exactly how to handle the moment.
As the tournament draws closer and lineups continue to evolve, there will be plenty of speculation about how Canada’s roster ultimately shakes out. But one thing feels close to certain: Toews and Makar aren’t going anywhere. They’re Canada’s top pair - and they’re built for this stage.