Cale Makar Wins Second James Norris Memorial Trophy

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar wins the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the second time, recognizing him as the NHL's top defenseman after an outstanding season with 92 points.

Cale Makar has been awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the second time, recognizing him as the NHL's top defenseman. Makar, a standout player for the Colorado Avalanche, initially won the award in the 2021/22 season and has now claimed it again after an exceptional performance. Throughout the season, Makar showcased his scoring prowess, accumulating 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists) in 80 games, setting personal bests in both points and goals. His consistent production, averaging over a point per game since entering the NHL, solidifies his status as one of the league's premier defensemen.

That's two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar to you. 🫵 #NHLAwards

The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position."

Read more: https://t.co/AL0ejOKBXr pic.twitter.com/PMbuMq9wSS

— NHL (@NHL) June 11, 2025

Cale Makar's impressive season saw him finish second in team scoring, behind only Nathan MacKinnon's 116 points. Makar contributed 92 points (30+62) in the regular season and added five points (1+4) in seven playoff games. Throughout his NHL career, Makar has accumulated 428 points (116+312) in 395 games. As a Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2022, Makar has also posted 85 playoff points (22+63) in 79 games, showcasing his consistent elite performance.

Cale Makar dominated the James Norris Memorial Trophy voting, securing 1,861 points. He led Zach Werenski (1,266 points) and Quinn Hughes (918 points), showcasing his exceptional season and cementing his status as the NHL's top defenseman 

Cale Makar found out about his James Norris Memorial Trophy win while taking a break from golfing with friends in Calgary to visit his parents.

It’s Cale Makar‼️ pic.twitter.com/LURVyr5nUl

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 11, 2025

“Any time you get recognised for something like this, it's very cool,” Makar, 26, said.

“It's very special to be able to (win) this a second time. To have the group of guys that we did - it seems cliche to say, but it's truly a team award.

“We had a fun year, and it'll be more fun hopefully continuing, but this one's for them.”

Cale Makar joined an elite group of defensemen by scoring 30 goals, a feat achieved by only eight others in NHL history. Mike Green, who scored 31 goals in the 2008/09 season, was the last defenseman to break the 30-goal mark before Makar. Makar's impressive performance was consistent with his previous breakout season in 2021/22, when he collected 86 points (28+58) in 77 games, earning him his first Norris Trophy.