Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar of Calgary, Alberta won his second Norris Trophy of his National Hockey League Career on Wednesday. After previously winning the award in 2022, he was once again named the NHL’s top defenseman.
Makar received 176 of 191 first place votes. He beat out Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks.
In 80 games this season, Makar had 30 goals and 62 assists for 92 points. He was a +28 with 14 penalty minutes, 35 power-play points, three shorthanded points, four game-winning goals, 246 shots on goal, 128 blocked shots, 51 hits, 60 takeaways, and 113 giveaways.
Makar’s most notable game this season came on March 6, in a 7-3 Avalanche win over the San Jose Sharks. Makar had two goals and four assists for six points. He set the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise record for most points by a defenseman in a single game. Makar broke the record previously set by Tyson Barrie of Victoria, British Columbia. Barrie had one goal and four assists for five poins in a 5-4 Avalanche overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks on February 20, 2018.
Makar has simply had six exceptional seasons with the Avalanche since 2019. In addition to winning two Norris Trophies, he won the 2020 Calder Trophy and the 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy.