Cale Makar Emerges as Front-Runner for the 2024-25 Norris Trophy
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As the NHL season reaches its halfway point, the race for the James Norris Memorial trophy—awarded annually to the league’s top defenseman—is heating up.Leading the pack is Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, who continues to dominate both on the ice and in the eyes of analysts.
Makar, who was unanimously favored by an NHL.com panel to win the Norris Trophy at the start of the season, has only solidified his case as the front-runner. With 49 points (13 goals, 36 assists) in 44 games, he leads all defensemen in scoring. His offensive prowess is matched by his defensive reliability, as he averages 25:40 of ice time per game.
“He’s so good, and he creates so much time and space for not only himself but his teammates,” said Makar’s defense partner, Devon Toews. “We just try to get him the puck and get him areas with time and space so that he can make plays and do what he does.”
A Historic Start to the Season
Makar’s performance this season has been nothing short of historic. In October, he was named the NHL’s First Star of the Month after recording 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in 11 games. This marked the second-longest season-opening point streak by a defenseman in NHL history,trailing only Bobby Orr’s 1973-74 campaign.
The 25-year-old defenseman continued his dominance into December, tallying 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 13 games. His standout moment came on January 2, when he scored two goals in a thrilling 6-5 comeback victory against the Buffalo Sabres.
The norris Trophy Race
Makar’s consistency has earned him 76 voting points (including 13 first-place votes) from NHL.com’s 16-person panel. Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, last season’s Norris Trophy winner, trails in second place with 58 points and three first-place votes. Meanwhile, Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets rounds out the top three with 47 points.
Makar’s case for the Norris Trophy is further bolstered by his extraordinary career milestones. He is just one goal away from reaching 100 career NHL goals,a feat that would make him the sixth-fastest defenseman in league history to hit the century mark. Only legends like Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey, Ray Bourque, and Denis Potvin have achieved this milestone faster.
“I don’t know if I’m close to anything right now,” Makar said humbly.“I’m not somebody that just looks at that kind of stuff. I watch a lot of hockey,but I don’t look at stats and stuff like that. So for me, it’s just trying to live in the moment and enjoy the day to day.”
A Legacy in the Making
Makar has been a Norris Trophy finalist in each of the past four seasons, winning the award in 2021-22 and finishing third in the last two campaigns. This season, he has recorded at least one point in 30 of colorado’s 43 games, including 16 multipoint performances.
His ability to impact the game in all situations—whether on the power play (where he leads all defensemen with 20 points) or shorthanded (with one goal)—makes him a complete player.
key Stats: Cale Makar’s 2024-25 Season
| Category | Stat | NHL Rank |
|————————|————————|————–|
| Points | 49 | 1st |
| Goals | 13 | T-1st |
| Assists | 36 | 2nd |
| Power-Play Points | 20 | 1st |
| Ice Time per Game | 25:40 | Top 10 |
What’s Next for Makar and the Avalanche?
As the Avalanche push for another deep playoff run, Makar’s performance will be pivotal. His ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations has already cemented his status as one of the league’s elite defensemen.
For fans and analysts alike, the question isn’t whether Makar deserves the norris Trophy—it’s whether he can continue his historic pace and lead Colorado to another Stanley Cup victory.
Stay tuned as the second half of the season unfolds, and don’t miss the chance to watch one of the NHL’s brightest stars in action.
What do you think? Is Cale Makar the clear favorite for the Norris Trophy, or can Quinn Hughes or Zach Werenski close the gap? Share your thoughts in the comments below!Cale Makar’s Defensive evolution Fuels Colorado Avalanche’s Resurgence
The Colorado Avalanche’s star defenseman, Cale Makar, is proving once again why he’s one of the NHL’s most dynamic players. This season, though, it’s not just his offensive prowess that’s turning heads—it’s his commitment to improving his defensive game.
Makar ranks third in the NHL in ice time per game, logging an impressive 25:33 minutes on average, including 2:09 of short-handed ice time. His ability to balance offensive creativity with defensive responsibility has been a game-changer for the Avalanche.
“If he’s going to play that much, then you want to make sure you’re just not trading chances, and he’s really bought into that,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar.“You can tell there’s an added focus on his defending details and what he needs to do. He wants to be clear on it,and he wants to continue to improve it.”
Makar’s dedication to refining his defensive skills has paid dividends. After a rocky 0-4-0 start to the season, the Avalanche have won 12 of their last 17 games, climbing the Central Division standings.“I feel like my game’s taken a significant overall increase from the last couple years; I think it dipped a little bit just in quality,” Makar admitted. “This year, I kind of found it again defensively, and I’m trying to find it offensively too. my game, I feel pretty confident in it right now, and I feel like I’m in a better spot than I have been in the last couple years.”
Makar’s resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed. In recent voting for the NHL’s top defensemen, he earned 76 points, including 13 first-place votes, outpacing competitors like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski.
key Stats: Cale Makar’s 2024-25 Season
| Category | Stat |
|————————|————————|
| Ice Time Per Game | 25:33 (3rd in NHL) |
| Short-Handed Ice Time | 2:09 per game |
| Team Record Since 0-4 | 12-5-0 |
Makar’s ability to elevate his game on both ends of the ice has been instrumental in the Avalanche’s turnaround. His focus on defensive details, combined with his natural offensive instincts, makes him a cornerstone of Colorado’s success.
as the season progresses, Makar’s continued growth could be the key to the avalanche’s playoff aspirations. For now, fans can revel in the fact that one of the NHL’s brightest stars is shining even brighter.
Stay updated on Cale Makar’s journey and the Avalanche’s season by following Colorado’s official NHL page.
Cale Makar: Dominating the ice and the Norris trophy Race
As the NHL season reaches its midway point, the race for the James Norris Memorial Trophy is heating up, and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche is emerging as the clear front-runner. With his unparalleled offensive production, defensive reliability, and ability to dominate games, Makar is making a strong case for his second Norris Trophy. To dive deeper into his historic season and what it means for the Avalanche, Senior Editor John Carter sat down with NHL analyst and hockey expert, Sarah Mitchell, to discuss Makar’s impact and legacy.
Historic Start to the Season
John Carter (JC): Sarah, let’s start with Makar’s incredible performance this season. He’s been on fire since day one, earning the NHL’s First Star of the Month in October. What makes this start so special?
Sarah Mitchell (SM): John, it’s truly remarkable. Makar’s 19 points in 11 games to start the season was the second-longest season-opening point streak by a defenseman in NHL history, trailing only Bobby Orr’s legendary 1973-74 campaign. What stands out is his ability to consistently produce in all facets of the game—whether it’s scoring goals, setting up teammates, or shutting down opponents defensively.
JC: And he’s kept that momentum going, hasn’t he? His two-goal performance against the Buffalo Sabres in early January was a highlight.
SM: Absolutely. That game showcased his clutch ability. The Avalanche were trailing, and Makar stepped up with two critical goals to help secure the win.Moments like that are why he’s not just a stat-sheet filler but a game-changer.
The Norris Trophy Race: Makar vs. the field
JC: The Norris Trophy race is always competitive, but Makar seems to be pulling ahead. How does he compare to other top defensemen like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski?
SM: Makar is in a league of his own right now. While Hughes and werenski are having great seasons, Makar’s combination of offensive production and defensive responsibility sets him apart. He leads all defensemen in scoring with 49 points, and his 25:40 of ice time per game shows how much the Avalanche rely on him in every situation.
JC: And let’s not forget, he’s closing in on 100 career NHL goals. That’s a significant milestone, isn’t it?
SM: It’s a testament to his offensive prowess. If he reaches that mark this season, he’ll join an elite group of defensemen like Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey who achieved it at a young age. It’s a reminder that Makar isn’t just having a great season—he’s building a hall of Fame-caliber career.
Legacy in the Making
JC: Speaking of legacy, Makar has been a Norris Trophy finalist in each of the past four seasons, winning in 2021-22.What does this season mean for his place in NHL history?
SM: John, Makar is already one of the most dominant defensemen of this era. If he wins the Norris this season, it’ll be his second in four years, which is incredible given how difficult it is to win even onc. But beyond the hardware, it’s his ability to elevate his teammates and impact the game in every situation—power play, penalty kill, even strength—that truly sets him apart.
JC: And his consistency is mind-blowing. He’s recorded at least one point in 30 of Colorado’s 43 games this season.
SM: Exactly. That’s the mark of a truly elite player. He’s not just having big nights here and there—he’s delivering night in and night out. That’s what makes him so valuable to the Avalanche and so exciting to watch.
What’s Next for Makar and the Avalanche?
JC: Sarah, as we look ahead, the Avalanche are in playoff contention again. How crucial is Makar’s performance to their success?
SM: He’s absolutely essential.The Avalanche are a deep team,but Makar is their engine. His ability to control the game from the blue line, whether it’s quarterbacking the power play or shutting down opposing stars, will be critical in the playoffs. If he stays healthy and maintains this level of play, Colorado has a real shot at another Stanley Cup.
JC: Final question—do you think Makar is the Norris Trophy front-runner, and can he sustain this historic pace?
SM: Without a doubt, he’s the front-runner. As for sustaining this pace, it’s a tall order, but if anyone can do it, it’s Cale Makar. He’s one of those rare players who seems to get better as the stakes get higher.
JC: Sarah, thanks so much for your insights. It’s clear that Makar is not just a standout player this season but a generational talent shaping the future of the NHL.
SM: My pleasure,John. It’s always a joy to talk about a player as special as Cale Makar.
Stay updated on Cale Makar’s journey and the Avalanche’s season by following Colorado’s official NHL page. For more NHL news and analysis, visit world-today-news.com.
