Hughes, Makar, Werenski in Norris Trophy Final
- NEW YORK (AP) — Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche,Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks,and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets have been named finalists for...
- Hughes, a finalist for the second time and the reigning Norris Trophy winner, posted a career-high 76 points (16 goals, 60 assists) in 68 games for the Canucks.
- Hughes continued to build on his impressive resume on April 14, contributing to Jake Debrusk's overtime goal in a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks.Having played...
Makar,Hughes,Werenski Named Norris Trophy Finalists
Table of Contents
- Makar,Hughes,Werenski Named Norris Trophy Finalists
- Norris Trophy Finalists: Your Questions Answered
NEW YORK (AP) — Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche,Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks,and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets have been named finalists for the 2025 Norris Trophy,awarded annually to the NHL‘s best defenseman.The Professional Hockey Writers Association will determine the winner, to be announced at a later date.
Quinn Hughes’ Impressive Season
Hughes, a finalist for the second time and the reigning Norris Trophy winner, posted a career-high 76 points (16 goals, 60 assists) in 68 games for the Canucks. His 1.12 points-per-game average marks a personal best across his seven NHL seasons. On March 22, Hughes recorded his 400th NHL point with an assist on Dakota Joshua’s goal against the New York Rangers.He is only the second Canucks defenseman to reach this milestone, following Alexander Edler (409 points).
Hughes continued to build on his impressive resume on April 14, contributing to Jake Debrusk’s overtime goal in a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks.Having played 432 games, Hughes reached the franchise record for points by a defenseman in less than half the games it took Edler (925).
Makar’s Dominance continues
Makar is a Norris Trophy finalist for the fifth time in his career. In 2022, he captured the Norris Trophy, the Stanley Cup, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs. He finished third in Norris Trophy voting in each of the past two seasons. This season, Makar totaled 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists) with a plus-28 rating in 80 games for the Avalanche.
Makar’s 30 goals make him only the ninth defenseman in NHL history to reach that mark in a single season. Mike Green was the most recent, scoring 31 goals for the Washington Capitals in the 2008-09 season. Makar is also the first defenseman to record at least 90 points in consecutive seasons since Paul Coffey (1988-89 to 1990-91) and Al MacInnis (1989-90 to 1990-91).
Makar also led the league in power-play goals (12) and shorthanded goals (2) among defensemen in the 2024-25 season, while also leading all defensemen in shots on goal (246). His average ice time of 25:43 per game ranked third among all NHL players.
Werenski’s Breakout Season
Zach werenski’s nomination marks his first time as a Norris Trophy finalist. Details regarding his specific statistics and contributions will be updated as they become available.
Norris Trophy Finalists: Your Questions Answered
This article provides a thorough look at the finalists for the 2025 Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman. We’ll break down the contenders, their achievements, and what makes them stand out.
What is the Norris Trophy?
The Norris Trophy is an annual award presented to the National Hockey League’s (NHL) best defenseman. This esteemed award recognizes excellence in defensive play, offensive contributions, and overall impact on the game. The winner is determined by the Professional Hockey Writers Association and announced at a later date.
Who are the 2025 Norris Trophy Finalists?
The 2025 Norris Trophy finalists are:
Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)
Zach Werenski (Columbus blue Jackets)
Quinn Hughes: Reigning Champion and Standout performer
What were Quinn Hughes’ key achievements this season?
quinn Hughes, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, had an extraordinary season, highlighted by:
Career-High Points: 76 points (16 goals, 60 assists) in 68 games.
Points-Per-Game Average: A personal-best 1.12 points per game.
Milestone Achievement: Recorded his 400th NHL point.
Franchise Record Pace: Reached the franchise record for points by a defenseman in significantly fewer games than the previous record holder, Alexander Edler.
How does Hughes’ performance compare to other Canucks defensemen?
Hughes has quickly established himself as one of the Canucks’ all-time greats. He reached the franchise record for points by a defenseman in just 432 games, far surpassing the time it took Alexander Edler to reach the same milestone (925 games).
Cale Makar: A Consistent Force
What has Cale Makar accomplished in his career?
Cale Makar has consistently been a top defenseman, showcasing his skill with:
Previous Norris Trophy Winner: Won the Norris Trophy in 2022.
Stanley Cup Champion & Conn Smythe Trophy Winner: Lifted the Stanley Cup in 2022 and was recognized as the most valuable player in the playoffs.
Consistent Top Finisher: Finished third in Norris Trophy voting in each of the past two seasons.
What were Makar’s stats for the 2024-25 season?
In the 2024-25 season, Makar achieved:
Total Points: 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists) in 80 games.
Plus-Minus Rating: A plus-28 rating.
League Leader: Led the league in power-play goals (12) and shorthanded goals (2) among defensemen.
Shots on Goal Leader: Also led all defensemen in shots on goal with 246.
Ice Time: Averaged 25:43 of ice time per game.
What other historical achievements has Makar reached?
Makar’s 30 goals this season make him only the ninth defenseman in NHL history to reach that mark in a single season.He is also the first defenseman since Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis to record at least 90 points in consecutive seasons!
Zach Werenski: The Rising Contender
How did Zach Werenski perform this season?
zach Werenski is a Norris Trophy finalist for the first time. while further details on his specific statistics and contributions will become available later.
Key Stats Comparison
To provide a direct comparison,here is a table summarizing key statistics of the Norris Trophy finalists,based only on the provided source content:
| Player | Team | Points | Goals | Assists | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinn Hughes | Vancouver Canucks | 76 | 16 | 60 | 68 |
| Cale Makar | Colorado Avalanche | 92 | 30 | 62 | 80 |
| Zach Werenski | Columbus Blue Jackets | N/A - Data not in Provided Source | N/A – data Not in provided Source | N/A – Data Not in provided Source | *N/A - Data Not in Provided Source |
Who will win the Norris Trophy?
The winner of the 2025 Norris Trophy will be announced at a later date. With such talented players as finalists, the decision will be a tough one! Keep an eye out for the proclamation!