One of the NHL's biggest stars, Cale Makar still just a hockey fan at heart

DETROIT, Michigan – One of the important tools in my journalistic toolbox, particularly with players I don’t know well, is to ask them what players or teams they like to watch. 

It’s an easy, off-the-cuff question, makes a player think, and disengages from the typical “how have you guys been playing lately?” type questions that players get hundreds of throughout the season. 

And throughout the season, particularly when talking with defencemen, many players mention Cale Makar. 

It makes sense. Makar is one of the best players on the planet, one of the favorites to win another Norris Trophy. If you look at his Elite Prospects profile, that little line of highlights – the little graphics with trophies and such – is already Hall of Fame worthy. 

He’s also only 25 and one of the purest skaters in t