Cale Makar wins the Norris Trophy for the second time
Colorado Avalanche offensive defenseman Cale Makar has been awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the second time in his career, according to the NHL announced on Wednesday. This prestigious award is given to the defensive player who demonstrates the greatest overall skill in their position during the season, according to the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.Makar found out he had won the award during a recent golf outing with family and friends in Calgary, his hometown. He joins Hall of Fame members like 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. Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson also won twice before turning 27. Makar received 176 of the 191 first-place votes and recorded 1,861 points in the voting 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 Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes got two first-place votes and 918 points. Hughes was looking to become the first repeat winner of the award since Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings captured three straight between 2005-06 and 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 very good 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 really a team award. We had a fun year and hopefully it will be more fun to continue, but this is for them.”
Cale Makar
