Cale Makar has once again cemented his place among the NHL's elite defensemen, claiming his second Norris Trophy in a stellar career that continues to reach new heights. The Colorado Avalanche star was awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy on Wednesday, recognizing him as the league's top defenseman for the 2024-25 season.
Makar's dominance was reflected in the voting results, where he secured a commanding 176 out of 191 first-place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks rounded out the top three, finishing second and third, respectively. The Norris Trophy is awarded annually to the defenseman who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability at the position.
The 26-year-old Makar is now the second active defenseman with multiple Norris Trophy wins, joining Erik Karlsson. He also joins an elite group of defensemen to have won multiple Norris Trophies before the age of 27, a list that includes Bobby Orr, Denis Potvin, Paul Coffey, Rod Langway, and Karlsson. Makar has been a Norris Trophy finalist in each of the last five seasons, and has been a top 3 finalist every year since 2020-21.
Makar's 2024-25 season was nothing short of exceptional. He led all NHL defensemen in goals (30), assists (62), and points (92). His goal and point totals broke his own franchise records for a defenseman. Makar became the first defenseman to reach the 30-goal mark since Mike Green in 2008-09 and just the ninth different rearguard in NHL history to hit the milestone. He also became just the fifth defenseman all-time to post consecutive 90-point seasons, and the first since Coffey (1988-89 to 1990-91) and Al MacInnis (1989-91).
Beyond his offensive prowess, Makar's all-around game was exceptional. Among defensemen, Makar also ranked 11th in plus-minus (+28), first in points per game (1.15), second in shots on goal (246), and third in average time on ice (25:43). He also recorded 128 blocks. Makar's possession metrics were also impressive, as he controlled 56.6% of shot attempts and a career-high 59.4% of expected goals at even strength.
Makar's impact extends beyond the regular season. In 79 career playoff games, Makar has registered 85 points (22 goals, 63 assists), the third-best all-time points per game average (1.08) by a defenseman with at least 60 Stanley Cup Playoff games behind Orr (1.24) and Evan Bouchard (1.11). He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Avalanche's Stanley Cup run in 2022.
The Norris Trophy presentation was a special moment for Makar, as he was surprised by his parents, wife, family, and friends during a golf outing in Calgary. The NHL Awards ceremony, where Makar will be officially honored, will take place on June 12.
