

Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets were named finalists for the NHL’s Norris Trophy on Tuesday, awarded annually “to the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position.”
Makar is favored to win for the second time.
Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar and Zach Werenski are the finalists for the Norris Trophy! 🏆 #NHLAwards
The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually “to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.” pic.twitter.com/GQSaLKugOT
— NHL (@NHL) April 29, 2025
His 30 goals, 62 assists and 90 points this season were the most among all defensemen. He finished ninth in league scoring. A finalist every season during this decade, Makar finished third in voting the last two seasons after winning the Norris in 2022. He was a runner-up the year before.
Makar’s 30-goal season was only the 18th in league history. He is one of nine defensemen ever to score at least 30 goals in a season, and the first since the Washington Capitals’ Mike Green in 2008-09. Only five defensemen have scored at least 30 goals and not won the Norris Trophy for that season.
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During the season’s first few months, a historic race appeared to be shaping up between Makar and Hughes. However, a series of injuries limited Hughes around midseason, causing him to miss the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Still, he finished with 16 goals and 78 points in 62 games — a 1.12 points-per-game average that was not far from Makar’s leading 1.16 for defensemen.
Werenski’s 23 goals and 82 points were second to Makar in each category among defensemen. A foundational player for the Blue Jackets, Werenski averaged the most ice time at 26 minutes, 45 seconds. Had the Blue Jackets made the playoffs, Werenski’s candidacy might have rivaled that of Makar. NHL awards are voted upon, leaving open the possibility that a sentimental favorite could emerge as a winner over a candidate with superior statistics. If that happened this year, Werenski likely would be that candidate.
Select members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association vote on the Norris Trophy. Finalists for the Vezina Trophy, voted on by league GMs, were announced Monday. The Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player) will have its finalists revealed Wednesday, followed by the Hart Trophy (league MVP) on Thursday and the Masterston (perseverance and dedication), Selke (best defensive forward), Jack Adams (coach of the year) and Lady Byng (sportsmanship) awards on Friday.
(Photo of Cale Makar: Claus Andersen / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
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