June 11, 2025 — Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar, age 26, has captured the prestigious James Norris Memorial Trophy for the second time, solidifying his status as the NHL’s top all‑around defenseman.
Dominant Vote and Elite Company
- Makar accumulated a whopping 176 of 191 first‑place votes, totaling 1,861 voting points.
- He joins legendary defensemen like Bobby Orr, Denis Potvin, Paul Coffey, Rod Langway, and Erik Karlsson as players with multiple Norris wins before turning 27.
His margin of victory was decisive: Zach Werenski followed with 13 first‑place votes (1,266 points), and Quinn Hughes placed third (918 points).
Historic Stat Line
This season, Makar led all NHL defensemen with 30 goals, 62 assists, and 92 points in 80 games. He kicked off the year with an impressive 13‑game point streak, peaking as the second‑longest for a blue‑liner since Bobby Orr’s 1973‑74 run.
- Goals milestone: First defenseman to reach 30 goals since Mike Green (31 in 2008–09).
- Franchise records: Set Avalanche records for goals and points by a defenseman in a season — 30 and 92 respectively
Surprise Announcement
Makar found out about the honor during a casual golf outing near Calgary. Surrounded by friends and family—his wife Tracy included—he was handed the trophy mid‑round. In his usual understated manner, he said:
“My first thought was… one of the boys that I was playing with won some golf trophy… it definitely was not on my radar.”
His mother added with pride: “Even though he doesn’t like surprises, his reaction today was awesome.”.
Career & Team Impact
- Second Norris Trophy: First honor was in 2021–22, a season that ended with the Avalanche hoisting the Stanley Cup and Makar earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
- Consistent excellence: Finalist in five of his first six NHL seasons.
- Season highlights: Became the third‑fastest defenseman to reach 400 career points, and scored his 100th career NHL goal on Jan 18, 2025, vs Dallas.
- International influence: Played a lead role for Team Canada in the midseason 4 Nations Face‑Off, logging the most ice time.
Fan & Analyst Buzz
Reddit fans are unanimous in their praise:
“I too think Makar is the best defenseman in the NHL. No bias though.”
“It’s deserved. I just wish they’d do a Selke‑type award for defensemen too.”
One user even lauds him as “in the conversation for best of all time.”
What’s Next
Expect Makar to be a centerpiece in the upcoming 2025 NHL Awards broadcast on June 12, just before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
As a multi‑award finalist this year, he’s a strong contender for the Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player). Meanwhile, Avalanche fans will look to him to carry his form into the playoffs—especially as Colorado eyes another deep postseason run.
Summary: At just 26, Cale Makar is already rewriting the record books. With breathtaking stats and another Norris in hand, he’s assumed his throne among the all‑time elite blueliners—and Avalanche fans everywhere are watching expectantly as he leads the charge toward another Stanley Cup bid.
