Cale Makar prefers to avoid the Bobby Orr comparisons, but he’s not doing anything to help his own case.
The NHL announced on Thursday nominees for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded “to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position” and voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks to pass against Utah Hockey Club defenseman Sean Durzi (50) during the first period Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
For the sixth straight season, Makar is one of three finalists for the award. Makar became just the second defenseman in NHL history to be named a finalist in six of his first seven NHL seasons. The other? Orr, of course.
The other finalists are Columbus’ Zach Werenski, who is considered to be the favorite, and Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin.
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg, right, passes the puck in front of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski during an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
It was another strong season for Makar, who finished with well over a point-per-game for the fifth straight season. His 79 points in 75 games was good for third amongst NHL defensemen in scoring. This was his third consecutive 20-goal season, making him the first defenseman in 34 years to have three consecutive 20-goal years. Only seven defensemen averaged more ice time per game, with nearly 2 minutes of the 24 minutes, 51 seconds, he averaged coming while the Avalanche were shorthanded. Colorado’s penalty kill finished first in the NHL during the regular season.
The 27-year-old is already in elite company. He is one of only 14 defensemen to have multiple Norris Trophies to his name. Only nine defensemen have won the award three times or more. Makar would join that group with another Norris win.
Winners for the Norris and all other awards will be announced at a later date.