If you’re into photo finishes, and who’s not, you’ll love the dead heat shaping up in the Norris Trophy race.
Since December, there hasn’t been much to separate Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar from the pack, especially Zach Werenski and Evan Bouchard.
While the race isn’t entirely a three-person battle, Makar, Bouchard, and Werenski have stood out from the rest.
In addition to the three aforementioned players, strong finishes to the 2025-26 NHL season from Quinn Hughes, Matthew Schaefer, Lane Hutson, and Moritz Seider could propel them into the top three, or even possibly the top spot.
Today, we’ll look at the cases Bouchard, Makar, and Weresnki have made for themselves as we approach the final stretch of the NHL season.
Evan Bouchard, Edmonton Oilers
Under constant scrutiny for his defensive play, Bouchard is one of the more polarizing defensemen across the league.
Despite widespread criticism, Bouchard had scored his way to prominence, leading all defensemen with 71 points and tying for the most primary assists (26).
The joint-favorite is second in assists (52), second in points per game (1.15), and second in power-play points (25). He’s on pace for 94 points, which would be the third-most in 33 years.
His ascent is thanks to notching 22 points in the 10 games since Jan. 24, the second-most in the league during that timeframe, one point behind teammate Leon Draisaitl.
The previous three Norris Trophy winners, Makar, Hughes, and Erik Karlsson, finished on top of the defensemen scoring chart. And remember, this award is renowned for being awarded to the best offensive defenseman.
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Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Searching for his third Norris Trophy, Makar was the clear frontrunner for the first half of the season.
A recent slide, in which he mustered just five points in 12 games, opened the door for Werenski and Bouchard. Statistically speaking, Makar is falling behind his main competitors.
However, since returning from the Olympic break, he is back to his Norris-like best, notching six points in a three-game span.
Makar is tied for the most primary assists (26), has the third-most points (64), and is scoring at the fourth-best point-per-game clip (1.07).
Voter fatigue is one notable factor that could impede Makar’s chances of claiming the accolade, as the reigning champion has either won or been a finalist in the last five seasons.
Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Last season’s runner-up, Werenski, is having another marvellous season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Among defensemen, he has the most points per game (1.20), even-strength goals (17), and even-strength points (49).
He’s second in points (65) and goals (20) and has notched a point on 35 percent of Columbus’ goals. Compare that to Makar’s 28 percent and Bouchard’s 32 percent.
But here’s the rub.
Werenski’s chances of winning the Norris Trophy are likely predicated on the Blue Jackets making the playoffs. The Blue Jackets are three points adrift of the second wild card spot, further enhancing the Norris Trophy drama.
