In a spectacular showcase of elite-level hockey and relentless consistency, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has clinched his second Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman. This marks a significant milestone in Makar’s career as he once again asserts his dominance on the ice, setting new franchise records for goals and points by a defenseman in a single season.
This year, Makar outshone formidable competition, including Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and last year’s Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks. The Professional Hockey Writers Association voted overwhelmingly in Makar’s favor, awarding him 176 first-place votes and a total of 1,861 points. Werenski finished with 13 first-place votes and 1,266 points, while Hughes, despite his stellar play, managed only two first-place nods and totaled 918 points.
Makar’s 2024-25 campaign was nothing short of breathtaking. He began the season on a tear, amassing a 13-game point streak—just two games shy of the legendary Bobby Orr’s 15-game run, the longest by a defenseman in NHL history. By season’s end, Makar led all defensemen in every major scoring category: 30 goals, 62 assists, and 92 points. Notably, he became the first NHL defenseman to notch 30 goals in a season since Mike Green accomplished the feat in 2008-09. His offensive prowess and ability to dictate play from the blue line make him a once-in-a-generation talent.
Fittingly, the moment Makar learned he had won the Norris Trophy came in an unexpected and lighthearted setting—a golf outing. The surprise announcement captured the humility and quiet confidence that has made Makar not only one of the NHL’s top players but also one of its most admired.
While Makar’s accomplishment is front and center, the NHL’s award season is far from over. The league is set to reveal the winners of two of its most prestigious individual awards—the Hart Trophy, given to the most valuable player to his team, and the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s top goaltender. The announcements will take place during a special hourlong TV show on June 12 at 6 p.m. ET on TNT, just before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
This year’s Hart Trophy finalists are a trio of superstars: Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, and Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Each has had a standout season, with Draisaitl and Kucherov continuing their dominance in scoring, while Hellebuyck’s performance between the pipes has been nothing short of sensational.
The Vezina Trophy finalists include Hellebuyck, whose dual nomination underscores his incredible season, as well as Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning. All three goalies have been anchors for their respective teams, often carrying them through tight contests with game-stealing performances.
The league has already handed out several other major awards. Nikita Kucherov, whose offensive fireworks kept Tampa Bay in the playoff race, earned the Ted Lindsay Award for the most outstanding player as voted by fellow NHLers. Washington Capitals’ Spencer Carbery took home the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year, recognizing his leadership and strategic brilliance behind the bench.
Rookie phenom Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens claimed the Calder Trophy, given to the league’s top first-year player. Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers earned the Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most complete players.
Sean Monahan of the Columbus Blue Jackets received the Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey after overcoming personal and professional hurdles. Barkov was also honored with the King Clancy Trophy, recognizing his off-ice humanitarian work, while Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin won the Mark Messier Leadership Award for his inspiring presence and long-standing leadership within the league.
Cale Makar’s second Norris Trophy win isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a statement. In a league rich with talent and tradition, Makar continues to redefine what’s possible from the blue line. His rise is proof that the new generation of NHL defensemen is not only here—it’s rewriting the record books.
