Avalanche’s Cale Makar Named Norris Trophy Finalist

Cale Makar continues to cement his place among the NHL’s elite after being named one of three finalists for the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s top defenseman. The Colorado Avalanche star joins Buffalo Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin and Columbus Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski as finalists for the prestigious award.

For Makar, the nomination is nothing new — but that only makes his consistency more impressive. This marks the sixth consecutive season he has been named a Norris finalist, an incredible accomplishment for a player still in the prime of his career. Already a two-time Norris winner, Makar once again proved why he is widely considered the gold standard for modern NHL defensemen.

Dominating the Stat Sheet

During the 2025-26 regular season, Makar recorded 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games while posting a stellar plus-32 rating. His offensive production ranked among the league leaders for defensemen, but his value stretches far beyond the scoresheet. Makar averaged nearly 25 minutes of ice time per game and played a critical role in every situation for Colorado, whether on the power play, penalty kill, or protecting late-game leads.

His impact on the Avalanche cannot be overstated. Colorado’s entire system flows through Makar’s ability to control the pace of play. Few players in the league transition the puck from defense to offense as smoothly as he does, and his skating ability consistently creates mismatches against opposing teams. When Makar is on the ice, the Avalanche become faster, more dangerous, and significantly harder to defend.

His poise under pressure has also become one of his defining traits. Colorado relies heavily on him in critical moments, and Makar continues to deliver in both the regular season and playoffs.

Leadership Role

Since helping Colorado win the Stanley Cup in 2022, Makar has embraced the pressure that comes with being one of the faces of the franchise. He captured the Conn Smythe Trophy during that championship run and has continued to elevate his game ever since.

His leadership style may not always be loud, but it is evident in the way he prepares and performs every night. Younger players on the Avalanche roster continue to benefit from watching one of the league’s most complete players handle the responsibilities of being an all-around incredible defenseman.

At just 27 years old, Makar is already building a résumé that places him among the greatest defensemen of his generation. Every season, he continues to redefine what is possible from the position.

Generational Talent

Whether Makar ultimately wins another Norris Trophy this season or not, his nomination once again highlights his importance to both the Avalanche and the NHL as a whole. He has become the modern blueprint for an elite defenseman — dynamic offensively, reliable defensively, and capable of taking over games at any moment.

As Colorado continues its pursuit of another Stanley Cup, Makar remains the driving force behind the franchise’s success and one of the most impactful players in hockey today.