Full Breakdown
Cale Makar Advocates for NHL Playoff Format Change
9/16/2025, 2:17:59 PM
Cale Makar's Call for Change
Cale Makar, defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, has expressed a strong desire for the NHL to revert to its previous playoff format of one-through-eight seeding. This format was in place before the 2013-14 season, when the league shifted to a divisional and wild-card system. Makar articulated his views during the NHL Player Media Tour, stating, "I feel like all the players want back to 1 to 8... I understand the playoff format now. It makes the road harder sometimes." His sentiments reflect a broader frustration among players regarding the current system, which often leads to high-stakes matchups in the early rounds.
Current Playoff Structure and Its Implications
Under the current playoff format, the top three teams from each of the four divisions qualify for the postseason, alongside two wild-card teams from each conference. This system has resulted in repetitive matchups, such as the Edmonton Oilers facing the Los Angeles Kings in the first round for four consecutive years. Makar noted that this can lead to challenging matchups, as evidenced by the Avalanche's recent playoff experience. In the 2024 playoffs, the Avalanche, seeded third, faced the second-seeded Dallas Stars and lost in a seven-game series. Had the one-through-eight format been in place, the Avalanche would have faced the fourth-seeded Kings instead.
Perspectives on the Current Format
While Makar and other players, including Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, advocate for a return to the one-through-eight format, not all players share this view. Alex DeBrincat of the Detroit Red Wings expressed support for the current setup, stating, "I think it's nice the way it is... You've got to beat the best to be the best." This highlights a division among players regarding the merits of the existing playoff structure.
Official Stance and Future Prospects
Despite the calls for change, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has consistently indicated that there are no plans to alter the playoff format in the near future. As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, it appears that teams like the Avalanche may continue to face tough matchups in the first round unless they secure a higher seed within their division.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a notable divide in opinions regarding the playoff format, with some players advocating for change while others prefer the status quo. Additionally, while Makar's comments have garnered attention, there has been no official response from the NHL regarding potential changes to the playoff structure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel like all the players want back to 1 to 8. I think that's a thing that we'd like, but I get it. I understand the playoff format now. It makes the road harder sometimes,” — Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche Defenseman
- “We get to play the same teams pretty much every time in the wild card, so I would like to see it a little bit different.” — Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning Defenseman
- “I think you get those [great] matchups every year.” — Alex DeBrincat, Detroit Red Wings Forward
As discussions continue, the future of the NHL playoff format remains uncertain, with players like Makar advocating for a system that may better reflect the competitive landscape of the league.
