To mark the first quarter of the 2025-26 regular season, NHL.com is running its second installment of the Trophy Tracker series. Today, we look at the race for the Norris Trophy , awarded annually to the top defenseman in the NHL as selected in a vote by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Cale Makar is the defending Norris Trophy winner as the best defenseman in the NHL. He was also the preseason pick to repeat by an NHL.com panel.

A quarter into the season, the Colorado Avalanche playmaker has only strengthened his case. He leads all players at his position in goals (nine), assists (20), points (29) and plus/minus (plus-22). He averages 25:35 of ice time per game, which ranks in the top five in the NHL.

So, it's no surprise Makar was the unanimous choice to win the award.

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