Cale Makar Wins the Norris Trophy for the Second Time
The offensive defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, Cale Makar, has been awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the second time in his career. The announcement was made this Wednesday by the NHL. This prestigious award is given to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest overall skill in his position during the season, according to the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.Makar found out about his victory during a recent golf outing with his family and friends in Calgary, his hometown. With this victory, Makar joins Hall of Fame members such as Bobby Orr (eight times), Denis Potvin and Paul Coffey (three times), and Rod Langway (twice) as players who have won multiple Norris Trophies before turning 27. Erik Karlsson, defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, also won twice before turning 27. Makar received 176 of the 191 first-place votes and recorded 1,861 points to win the Norris Trophy for the first time since the 2021-22 season. He has been a finalist for the award in five of his first six seasons in the NHL. Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets received 13 first-place votes and finished with 1,266 points, while Quinn Hughes, captain of the Vancouver Canucks, earned two first-place votes and 918 points. Hughes was looking to become the first repeat winner of the award since Nicklas Lidstrom, a member of the Detroit Red Wings Hall of Fame, captured it three consecutive times from 2005-06 to 2007-08. Makar started the season with a 13-game point streak. He led all NHL defensemen in goals (30), assists (62), and points (92) this season.“It’s really cool to be recognized for something like this,” said Makar, 26. “It’s very special to be able to (win) this for the second time. Having the group of players we had… it seems like a cliché to say it, but it’s truly a team award. We had a fun year and hopefully it will be more fun to continue, but this is for them.”
Cale Makar
