Do we mention defensive metrics at all? I know everyone wants to talk offensive stats, of which both Hughes and Makar have in spades, but Hughes plays less than a minute a game on PK and Makar averages nearly 3 minutes a game, more than Hedman, and only trailing Matheson in the top 10 defensive scorers in the league. Hughes also blocks far far fewer shots, hits less, and has games in hand on Makar.
I like Hughes, I am glad he will represent the USA as a top 2 defender in the world. I honestly think he's in the same stratosphere as Makar. But I would still take Cale 10 out of 10, and with obvious bias of course, but I think his all-around game is just better than Hughes.