We might be a little over halfway through the season and there is still so much left of the 2024-25 campaign, but there are already three obvious frontrunners for the James Norris Memorial Trophy which is awarded to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability in his position.
The reigning winner. The annual finalist. The notable newcomer.
Quinn Hughes. Cale Makar. Zach Werenski.
The ballot is sure to feature these three talented defensemen, but who has the edge? Which one of these skaters on the blueline has the best chance of adding the illustrious trophy to their trophy case? We’re going to break down the arguments for each of the defensemen who are the early Norris contenders this season.

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Quinn Hughes
Quinn Hughes had never been a Norris finalist before the 2023-24 season, but he won the award for the first time in his career last year after posting a franchise record 92 point season. Hughes also received the honor of being the first Canucks defenseman to ever win the award. Even more impressive is that Hughes is following up his Norris winning campaign with another stellar season that is putting his name in the conversation once again. So what exactly is he doing that proves he’s worthy of taking home the Norris for the second straight season?
Hughes currently has 10 goals and 38 assists for 48 points in 40 games. He’s on pace for 98 points this season which would not only shatter his career high (92 points in 2023-24), but it would also set a new franchise record for the most points in a season by a Canucks defenseman. Hughes has reset that record for three straight seasons and has scattered his name across the record books as he also took over sole possession of most career assists by a Vancouver defenseman and is sure to be atop the list for most career points by a Canucks d-man before the season ends.
While the records are proof that Hughes is an offensive defenseman like we’ve never seen before, his impact on the ice goes beyond his point production.
Through 40 games played this season, it’s been easy to spot how dynamic Hughes is for the Canucks at all times. When Hughes is on the ice at all strengths, the scoring chances are 587-366 in Vancouver’s favor and the Canucks have scored 77 goals while only allowing 42. Compared to the other two defensemen who will most likely be in the running for the Norris, Hughes is miles ahead of his competition and most of the other defenseman in the league which is proof of how elite he is as a player.
Although his name is in the Norris conversation especially as the reigning winner, Hughes is also making a good case for the Hart Memorial Trophy this season. The Hart is awarded to the player who is the most valuable to his team. Without Hughes on the roster, the Canucks would most likely not be fighting for a playoff spot at this point in the season. Take a look at the team stats when Hughes was and wasn’t on the ice in Vancouver’s contest against St. Louis on Dec. 11:

Courtesy of Dimitri Filipovic on X
The last defenseman to win the Norris back-to-back is Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom who took home the award three seasons in a row from 2005-06 to 2007-08. Hughes has a good chance of repeating and taking home the prestigious award again.

Courtesy of Robert Edwards
Cale Makar
Even if you aren’t a hockey fan, you have definitely heard of Cale Makar and for good reason. He’s one of the best defensemen currently in the game and keeps getting better with each passing year. Makar has been a Norris finalist every season he’s been in the NHL minus his rookie year when he won the Calder (over Hughes) and took home the trophy in 2021-22. Makar was the first defenseman in Avalanche franchise history to ever win the Norris and could easily claim the highly acclaimed award again.
This year, many argue that Makar’s game has taken a few steps back defensively which can be seen in his performance on the ice during any Avalanche game, but he is still one of the most skilled and unique defensemen in the NHL. And even if he is having a “down” year, Makar is sure to still be in the Norris conversation and be a finalist for the fifth straight year.
Through 46 games played this season, Makar has collected 13 goals and 37 assists for 50 points which gives him the second most points among defensemen in the NHL. Just six seasons into his NHL career, Makar is already the franchise leader for most goals, assists and points by a defenseman in Avalanche/Nordiques history. When he’s on the ice at all strengths this season, the Avs have outscored opponents 83-58 which shows just how dominant he can be which helps Colorado remain a powerhouse in the Western Conference. Makar also has 39 takeaways this season which is tied for the most among defensemen in the NHL as well.
With Makar in the race, it’ll be interesting to see who receives the honor of winning the Norris Trophy this season.

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Zach Werenski
A year ago if I had told you Zach Werenski was in the Norris conversation, you probably wouldn’t have believed it. But here we are. Against all odds, the Columbus Blue Jackets are having an unforgettable season and Werenski is leading the way. With 15 goals and 36 assists in 45 games so far this season, the Michigan native currently leads all defensemen in points (51). After setting a career high and franchise record 57 points in 70 games played last season, Werenski is on pace for a whopping 93 points which would not only shatter his career high but set a new franchise record for most points in a season (Artemi Panarin: 87 PTS in 2018-19) and most points in a season by a defenseman.
Werenski just became the sixth different defenseman in NHL history to record a home point streak of 18+ games on Jan. 16 and like Hughes, is always the most noticeable player when he’s on the ice. With Werenski on the ice through 45 games this season, the scoring chances are 693-559 in favor of Columbus and the Blue Jackets have scored 83 goals opposed to allowing 58.
The Blue Jackets have never had a defenseman be a finalist for the Norris which also means Werenski hasn’t ever received the honor of being a finalist for the prestigious trophy that recognizes his position. If there has ever been a season for him to win the award, it is certainly this year. He has cemented himself as one of the greatest and most reliable defensemen currently playing in the NHL and he deserves to be in this conversation like never before.
It will certainly be a tight race for the Norris, but whoever wins will be deserving of adding the trophy to their career accolades. Who do you think takes home the trophy this year?
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