Colorado’s Cale Makar wins Norris Trophy as NHL’s top defenceman

By Canadian Press on June 11, 2025.

NEW YORK — Cale Makar has been named the NHL’s defenceman of the year for the second time in his career.

The Colorado Avalanche blueliner claimed the James Norris Trophy for the 2024-25 season after also receiving the award in 2022.

Makar was the overwhelming choice of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters, earning 176 of 191 first-place votes.

The 26-year-old from Calgary beat out runner-up Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and finalist Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks.

Makar was the fifth defenceman all-time to post back-to-back 90-point seasons and the first since Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis in 1989-90 and 1990-91.

Makar was golfing when he was surprised by friends and family, including his wife and parents, with the trophy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025.

The Canadian Press

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