Cale Makar Secures Second Norris Trophy
Cale Makar, a standout defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, has achieved an impressive milestone by securing his second Norris Trophy on Wednesday, reinforcing his status as one of the premier defenders in the NHL’s current era. Makar, who previously won the award in 2022, triumphed over formidable contenders Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, as chosen by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.
Establishing a Remarkable Legacy
At just 26 years of age, Makar is establishing a remarkable legacy, with his consistency earning him a finalist position for the award in every year of this decade. This latest accolade places him behind only Erik Karlsson, the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman and a three-time Norris winner, in terms of active players’ achievements in this prestigious category.
Future Rivalry and Performance Highlights
As Makar prepares for the future, a budding rivalry with Hughes, who took home the Norris Trophy earlier this year, could elevate both players’ profiles in the league, as Makar seeks to align himself with a rare group of players who have won the award four times or more.
The 2024-25 NHL season marked Makar’s sixth with the Avalanche, and his performance mirrored that of legendary offensive defensemen from the 1980s, like Paul Coffey and Ray Bourque. Makar led all NHL defensemen this past season, boasting impressive stats: 30 goals, 62 assists, and a total of 92 points, which placed him among the top scorers in the league. Notably, he became one of only nine defensemen in NHL history to score at least 30 goals in a single season, the first since Mike Green of the Washington Capitals accomplished the feat in 2008-09.
The Significance of the Norris Trophy
The Norris Trophy, established in 1953 in memory of the late Detroit Red Wings owner James Norris, is awarded annually to the blueliner who showcases the highest level of overall ability during the season. Makar’s latest win underscores his significant contributions to the game and the ongoing evolution of the defenseman role in professional hockey.
