Norris Trophy Showdown: Who Deserves the Honor - Quinn Hughes, Roman Josi, or Cale Makar?

 

The Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top defenseman by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, has three standout finalists this season: Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche. The winner will be announced during the NHL Awards on June 27 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN).

NHL.com writers Adam Kimelman, Mike Zeisberger, and Mike G. Morreale debate the merits of each finalist in this Awards edition of State Your Case.

Quinn Hughes

Despite fierce competition, Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks emerged as the top defenseman in the NHL this season. In his first year as team captain, Hughes led all defensemen with 92 points, including 75 assists and 17 primary power-play assists. He averaged a team-high 24:41 on ice across 82 games, guiding Vancouver to a remarkable 50-win season, a feat not achieved since 2011-12. At just 24 years old, Hughes became the sixth defenseman in NHL history to score at least 92 points in a season, joining legends like Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque. His nine games with at least three assists further highlighted his exceptional playmaking abilities. Hughes is already second on the Canucks' all-time scoring list among defensemen with 333 points in 365 games, trailing only Alexander Edler. Additionally, Hughes set a franchise record for plus-minus in a single season (+38). His skating prowess and high hockey IQ have been instrumental, with Vancouver controlling 56.4% of all shots generated 5-on-5 when he was on the ice, surpassing both Makar and Josi.

Roman Josi

Roman Josi had an outstanding season, leading NHL defensemen with 23 goals and finishing third with 85 points. His even-strength goal differential was +14, and he averaged 20:17 of even-strength ice time, ranking 10th among defensemen who played at least 10 games. Josi's impact was crucial for the Predators, especially after a slow 5-10-0 start. Over the final 67 games, he amassed 74 points (20 goals, 54 assists) with a +20 even-strength goal differential, propelling Nashville to a 42-20-5 record. In the final 28 games, during their push for the playoffs, Josi scored 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) with a +16 even-strength goal differential, leading the Predators to a 20-5-3 finish. His all-around contributions were vital for Nashville’s playoff qualification, making a strong case for his Norris Trophy candidacy.

Cale Makar

Cale Makar’s season stats are compelling, leading defensemen in points per game (1.17) and power-play points (39). He was second in goals (21), assists (69), and points (90), and third in shots (231), all while playing five fewer games than Hughes and Josi. Beyond statistics, Makar’s on-ice presence is unmatched. His effortless skating, game control, and speed make him a formidable opponent. At 25, Makar reached his 300th point in just 280 games, the second-fastest defenseman in NHL history to do so, trailing only Bobby Orr. Being mentioned alongside Orr is a testament to Makar’s exceptional talent and impact on the game.

As the debate continues, each finalist has presented a strong case for the Norris Trophy. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the announcement to see which of these elite defensemen will take home the prestigious award.