Three of the NHL’s most dynamic defensemen are battling it out for this year’s Norris Trophy, with Cale Makar leading the pack after a record-breaking season.
The Colorado Avalanche star became the first defenseman in 15 years to score 30 goals, finishing with an incredible 92 points in 80 games. That’s not just good – it’s historically good. No defenseman had put up 30 goals and 90 points in the same season since Paul Coffey did it back in 1989.
For Makar, it’s his fifth Norris nomination in just six years. Pretty remarkable for a 26-year-old.
Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes isn’t far behind. The defending Norris winner was on pace to make history of his own before an oblique injury slowed him down. He still managed 76 points in 68 games, including 60 assists – his fourth straight season hitting that mark.
The real surprise story might be Zach Werenski. The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman is making history as the first player from his franchise to be nominated for the award.
Werenski put up 82 points in 81 games, leading Columbus’s seventh-ranked offense. What’s even more impressive? He did most of his damage during regular play, not just on power plays.
He also fired an incredible 298 shots on goal – more than any other defenseman in the league.
While Makar’s the favorite, this race could be closer than many think. Hughes matched his point-per-game pace from his winning season last year, and Werenski’s even-strength production (54 points) ties him with Makar for the league lead among defensemen.
The winner will join some legendary company – no defenseman has won back-to-back Norris Trophies since Nicklas Lidström pulled off a three-peat from 2006 to 2008.
