The Norris Trophy is presented every year to theNHL's leading defenseman, chosen through votes by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. This award recognizes the player who showcases the best overall skills in the defense position during the regular season. The trophy is named in honor of James E. Norris, a former owner of the Detroit Red Wings, and celebrates outstanding defensive play in hockey.
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Cale Makar has officially been awarded the Norris Trophy for 2025. He achieved an impressive 176 out of a possible 191 first-place votes to clinch the title. This marks his second time winning the Norris Trophy, having previously secured it in the 2021-2022 season. Zach Werenski earned 13 first-place votes, while Quinn Hughes received two.
Anticipate the release of betting odds for the 2026 Norris Trophy soon, along with insights on the leading candidates.
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Like last year, this season features previous winners in a competitive battle for the title of the NHL's top defenseman. Cale Makar has maintained his status as the favorite throughout the season and is likely to claim the award.
Cale Makar, a standout defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, is currently the leading candidate and overwhelming favorite for this season's Norris Trophy. After winning the award in 2022, Makar has elevated his performance this season, accumulating 91 points in 79 games, making him the highest-scoring defenseman.
His recent game highlights, including a remarkable performance with two goals and four assists against the San Jose Sharks on January 19, 2025, have solidified his position at the top. Makar is now a two-time Norris Trophy winner, securing 176 first-place votes.
Zach Werenski, who plays defense for the Columbus Blue Jackets, is closely contesting the Norris Trophy this season, currently placing third. As of early April 2025, his odds are at +850 (DraftKings), positioning him behind Cale Makar in the race for the trophy.
Werenski's recent contributions have strengthened his candidacy; he notably registered three points in a 5-1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on February 23, 2025. Furthermore, he led all players in assists during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, boosting his visibility on the international stage.
Quinn Hughes, the captain of the Vancouver Canucks, is in a strong second position for the Norris Trophy this season. After winning the award in the 2023–24 season, Hughes has continued to impress, becoming the third-fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach 300 career assists on November 5, 2024. However, an undisclosed injury forced him to miss the last four games prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off break, altering the odds for the Norris Trophy. As early April 2025 approaches, Hughes' odds have increased to +9000, placing him behind Cale Makar.
There is a notable gap in performance between the top three defensemen in the NHL and the rest; however, surprises can happen, so let’s examine the most promising dark horse contender for the award.
Josh Morrissey, a defenseman with the Winnipeg Jets, has emerged as a worthy contender for this season's Norris Trophy. As of mid-April 2025, his odds have been taken off the board, as he trails significantly behind the top three contenders after being in contention for most of the season.
Morrissey has contributed significantly to the Jets' success; notably, he accomplished a two-goal game, including the overtime winner, in a thrilling 5-4 match against the Washington Capitals on February 1, 2025. Additionally, during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, he logged substantial minutes on the ice for Team Canada.
| Season | Winner |
| 2024-25 | Cale Makar |
| 2023-24 | Quinn Hughes |
| 2022-23 | Erik Kalsson |
| 2021-22 | Cale Makar |
| 2020-21 | Adam Fox |
| 2019-20 | Roman Josi |
| 2018-19 | Mark Giordano |
| 2017-18 | Victor Hedman |
| 2016-17 | Brent Burns |
| 2015-16 | Drew Doughtry |
Other NHL In Season Awards:
The Norris Trophy is conferred annually to the finest defenseman in the NHL. The recipient is determined by a vote among the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, taking into account their defensive prowess, offensive contributions, and leadership qualities in guiding their teams.
Cale Makar has been declared the winner of the Norris Trophy for 2025. Although the odds for 2026 have yet to be disclosed, Makar is likely to be the leading candidate again, with Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski posing as his main competition.
Certainly. The odds for who will win the 2026 Norris Trophy will be unveiled soon. Cale Makar, who was awarded this trophy on June 11, 2025, has achieved this honor twice and will aim to defend his title in the upcoming season.
Author
Brandon Justice boasts nearly ten years of experience in sports and betting coverage, primarily focusing on college football, college basketball, NFL, and MLB. His objective is to provide comprehensive analysis based on trends and data in sports betting, drawing from extensive experience that includes contributing to The Action Network and Rivals.com.
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