Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has been named the cover athlete for EA Sports’ upcoming NHL 24 video game, set to release on Friday, October 13th, 2023, with early access starting on Tuesday, October 10th. The official full reveal of the game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 16th.

Makar is coming off another point-per-game season, recording 66 points in 60 games with 17 goals and 49 assists. He also became the fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach 200 points, which he accomplished last November. Makar is the first Colorado Avalanche defenseman to be featured on the cover of an EA SPORTS NHL video game.

“It’s so cool,” an elated Makar shared with ESPN. “When they were considering me for this honor, it felt like a ‘wow’ moment. Growing up, I played all these games and to now be on the cover is surreal.”

At just 24, Makar’s meteoric rise in the NHL has been nothing short of spectacular. Over his four-season tenure, he has won the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year, the Norris Trophy recognizing the NHL’s top defenseman, and the 2021-22 Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, a testament to his pivotal role in the Avalanche’s triumphant Stanley Cup run.

Interestingly, Makar is only the third defenseman in two decades to grace the game’s cover, joining the ranks of Dion Phaneuf (NHL 09) and P.K. Subban (NHL 19). Considering Makar’s signature video game moves, such as his incredible spin and deke for an OT winner, he more than deserves to join this exclusive group.

Last year, Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras and Canadian national team forward Sarah Nurse made history as the cover athletes for NHL 23. Zegras was the first Anaheim Ducks player to be featured on the cover of the NHL video game, and Nurse became the first female hockey player to be featured on a video game cover in the NHL franchise. 

NHL 24 is expected to bring several improvements and new features to the franchise, building on the 30 years of iconic ice hockey game experience. Fans are eagerly awaiting gameplay and highlights of all the new features and content during the official reveal event.

While many NHL superstars have graced the cover of EA Sports’ NHL video game series, some notable players have never been featured, such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Crosby, in particular, is known for his superstitions and has never been on the cover of an NHL game.

In NHL 24, players can expect to see iconic players such as the Oilers’ Connor McDavid, the Bruins’ Linus Ullmark, the Devil’s Jack Hughes, and PWHPA’s Sarah Nurse. The game will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

As for Makar’s video game moves, fans can look forward to seeing his signature skating and puck-handling skills, as well as his powerful shot and defensive prowess, all of which have contributed to his impressive real-life stats.

Stay tuned for more information on NHL 24, including gameplay, new features, and additional content during the official reveal event on August 16, 2023.