As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue, the National Hockey League has begun revealing the finalists for its major awards for the 2024-25 season.
On Tuesday, the league named the three finalists for the prestigious Norris Trophy, presented annually to the league`s top defenseman: Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks.
Quinn Hughes, the reigning Norris recipient, continued his stellar play by leading the Canucks in points (76) and assists (60) this season. His 26-point lead over the next highest scorer on the team was the largest by a defenseman leading their team since Erik Karlsson`s 34-point margin in 2022-23. This season also marked Hughes` fourth consecutive year with at least 60 points, making him only the fourth defenseman in NHL history to achieve this consistent level of production.
Cale Makar, a previous Norris winner (2021-22), had a dominant season, leading all NHL defensemen with 92 points, including 30 goals and 62 assists. Zach Werenski of the Blue Jackets also had a standout year, setting career highs with 82 points (23 goals, 59 assists) and becoming the first defenseman to lead Columbus in scoring. Should Werenski win, he would be the first player in Blue Jackets history to claim the Norris Trophy.
The remaining NHL award finalists are scheduled to be announced daily through mid-May. The presentation of the 2025 NHL Awards is planned for June 2025, although a specific date has not yet been revealed.
Vezina Trophy Finalists
The Vezina Trophy is awarded `to the goaltender adjudged to be the best at his position.`
- Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
- Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings)
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Norris Trophy Nominees
The Norris Trophy is given to `the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.`
- Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
- Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets)
