Although it was a long process, Cale Makar said he focused on getting through his rehab knowing it would eventually be over.
Cale Makar is excited to play in his only preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night after recovering from injury all summer.
The Colorado Avalanche Norris Trophy winner described his offseason rehabilitation as a "mental battle" but managed through it and is ready to get the season started.
"Rehab in itself is just very, it kind of puts you in that zone of obviously you're working toward getting better," the 24-year-old defenseman said. "So when you finally do get to that point you're feeling good, then you feel even more confident, just more excited that you got there."
Makar has been a finalist the last three years for the Norris Trophy, winning it in 2022 along with the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy. He was limited to 60 games last year due to various injuries but said he feels good to go for this season.
"It's a mental grind sometimes (injury rehab), and it's a long process, but you just got to stick to it and remember you're going to get through it, it's just a matter of time," Makar said after pregame skate Thursday at Family Sports Ice Arena.
In a poll of The Hockey News site editors, Makar received the most votes to win the Norris Trophy this season. As he's starting the season healthy and excited, there's a good chance he will be awarded his second of probably more to come.