Makar edges out Josi, Hedman for 1st career Norris Trophy

Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar is the recipient of the 2022 Norris Trophy awarded “to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.”

Makar edged out Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi and Tampa Bay Lightning stalwart Victor Hedman for the honor. The award is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Here’s the results:

Rank Defenseman Points (1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th) 1 Cale Makar (COL) 1631 (92-98-5-0-0) 2 Roman Josi (NSH) 1606 (98-76-17-3-0) 3 Victor Hedman (TB) 940 (4-14-142-30-2) 4 Charlie McAvoy (BOS) 358 (1-7-22-55-24) 5 Adam Fox (NYR) 248 (0-0-4-61-45)

For the full results, click here.

It’s the first career Norris Trophy for Makar, but likely not the last. He’s just 23 years old and was the runner-up for the award a year ago despite missing 12 games.

Makar recorded 28 goals this season, the most among defensemen. He ranked second to Josi in points with 86, but his underlying numbers were far superior, specifically on the defensive side of the puck.

Evolving-Hockey.com

Makar led all NHL defensemen with 22.7 goals above replacement, according to Evolving-Hockey. Josi ranked fourth with 20.2, and Hedman ranked fifth with 19.8.

Despite having star defensemen like Sandis Ozolinsh, Rob Blake, and Ray Bourque don Colorado’s blue and burgundy in its storied past, Makar is the first player in Avalanche history to win the Norris.

The Calgary, Alberta, native may need to make more room on his trophy shelf, as he’s also currently the favorite to win the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP.