Based on how Tyson Barrie is playing of late, adding like-minded defenseman Cale Makar to the Avalanche lineup isn’t a priority. Given Barrie’s giant offensive contributions in the last six games, the Avs can afford to wait patiently for Makar — the Hockey East player of the year and the favorite to collect the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s best player.
Makar’s NCAA career is down to one-and-done, meaning the Avs’ top prospect could sign with the NHL club as soon as Saturday — if the University of Massachusetts loses to Harvard in Friday’s NCAA Tournament opener.