The NHL’s biggest stars are getting their moment to shine as the league rolls out its annual awards during the Stanley Cup Final.
Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar just claimed his second Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman, and it wasn’t even close. He grabbed 176 out of 191 first-place votes, leaving Columbus’s Zach Werenski and Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes in the dust.
Makar’s season was one for the history books. He became the first defenseman in 15 years to score 30 goals, matching a feat last achieved by Mike Green back in 2009. Even more impressive? He’s now one of just five defenders ever to rack up 90+ points in back-to-back seasons.
Those 30 goals also set a new franchise record for the Avalanche/Nordiques organization.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens have a rising star of their own. Rookie defenseman Lane Hutson ran away with the Calder Trophy, earning 165 first-place votes as the league’s top newcomer. He beat out Calgary goalie Dustin Wolf and San Jose forward Macklin Celebrini.
Hutson’s rookie campaign was pretty special. He put up 66 points, becoming just the fourth defenseman since 1943 to lead all rookies in scoring. That puts him in elite company with legends like Bobby Orr and Brian Leetch.
His 60 assists tied an NHL rookie defenseman record that’s stood since 1981.
The Florida Panthers are celebrating too, with Aleksander Barkov winning his second straight Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward. It’s actually his third overall, and at this rate, he might need a bigger trophy case.
In Washington, head coach Spencer Carbery took home the Jack Adams Award in just his second season behind the Capitals’ bench. He’s led the team to the playoffs both years, building an impressive 91-53-20 record.
The rest of the NHL’s awards will be handed out on June 12, right before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. With several tight races still to be decided, it’s shaping up to be quite a night.
At just 26, Makar’s already establishing himself as one of hockey’s all-time great defensemen. He led all blueliners this season with 92 points, 30 goals, 62 assists, and 12 power-play goals. And here’s the scary part for the rest of the league: he’s probably not even in his prime yet.
