With the NHL season approaching its conclusion, the debate over who deserves the Norris Trophy—awarded to the league's top defenseman—has intensified. While several blueliners like Rasmus Dahlin and Miro Heiskanen are having stellar campaigns, five players have clearly separated themselves from the pack. Historically, voters prioritize defensemen who combine elite offensive production with solid play in their own end.
5. Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens
At just 22 years old, Lane Hutson has established himself as a premier offensive force. With 67 points (11 goals, 56 assists) in 66 games, he is keeping pace with established superstars. While he may be a long shot for the trophy this season, his current trajectory suggests he will be a perennial contender for years to come.
4. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Makar remains a gold standard for modern defensemen. Although his offensive pace is slightly behind his usual 90-point standard, he has still recorded 68 points in 66 games. Beyond the scoresheet, he ranks fifth among defensemen in plus-minus (+32) and maintains heavy minutes, proving his continued elite status.
3. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild
Since his mid-season move to Minnesota, Quinn Hughes has been transformative. Boasting a 1.08 points-per-game average, he has been central to the Wild's climb to fourth in the league in goals-for per game. Most impressively, he leads the NHL in average ice time, frequently logging over 27 minutes per night.
2. Evan Bouchard, Edmonton Oilers
Bouchard currently leads all NHL defensemen in scoring with 77 points. While critics point to lapses in his defensive zone play, his offensive output is undeniable. As his teammate Leon Draisaitl noted, «He does it his way. It might not be as flashy as those guys, but he gets it done, and he is one of the best defensemen in the league.»
1. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Zach Werenski sits at the top of the list due to his unparalleled impact relative to his team. With a league-leading 1.15 points-per-game average for a defenseman, he is effectively carrying the Blue Jackets' offense. Unlike others on this list who benefit from stacked forward cores, Werenski leads his team in scoring by a significant margin, making him a legitimate candidate for both the Norris and Hart trophies.