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Cale Makar Ties Orr with Sixth Norris Nomination

5/8/2026

Summary

Makar Named Norris Finalist

Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche was named a finalist for the NHL’s James Norris Memorial Trophy.
He tied Bobby Orr’s record by earning his sixth Norris nomination in his first seven seasons.
Makar posted 20 goals, 59 assists and 79 points in 75 games, ranking third among defensemen.
In the playoffs he added four goals and one assist as Colorado took a 2-0 series lead over Minnesota.

Summary

Bouchard Snubbed

Evan Bouchard was omitted from the Norris Trophy finalists despite leading NHL defensemen with 95 points.
He played all 82 games, logged a career-high 24:41 minutes per game and led Edmonton’s power-play and penalty-kill units in ice time.
Advanced metrics ranked him second in Wins Above Replacement with 4.23, behind only Zach Werenski’s 4.56.
The Oilers publicly challenged the Professional Hockey Writers Association, posting video evidence of Bouchard’s elite play.

History

Historical Context

Created after the 1953-54 season and named for Red Wings owner James E. Norris, the James Norris Trophy honors the league’s top defenseman. Bobby Orr reshaped the award by winning it eight straight seasons from 1968 to 1975, a record that still defines elite blueliners. Today, Cale Makar’s repeated nominations invoke Orr’s standard as writers debate award criteria.

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Makar Named Norris Finalist

Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche was named a finalist for the NHL’s James Norris Memorial Trophy.
He tied Bobby Orr’s record by earning his sixth Norris nomination in his first seven seasons.
Makar posted 20 goals, 59 assists and 79 points in 75 games, ranking third among defensemen.
In the playoffs he added four goals and one assist as Colorado took a 2-0 series lead over Minnesota.

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