June 11, 2025, 12:43pm
Colorado Avalanche’s offensive defensive man, Karl McCar, is the second James Norris Memorial Trophy recipient of the NHL on Wednesday.
The award is presented as “to a defense player who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability throughout the season,” as selected by the Association of Professional Hockey Writers.
“Every time something like this is recognized, it’s really cool,” said McCar, 26. “It’s very special to be able to (win) this one more time. Having a group of people we did is seem cliché to say, but it’s really a team award.
“We had a fun year, and it’s even more fun, but this is for them.”
Makar learned he won an award during a recent golf outing with family and friends in his hometown of Calgary.
He will be participating in Hall of Fame Members (8 times), Dennis Potvin and Paul Coffey (3 times), and Roddragway (2 times), as a player who will earn multiple Noristrophies before turning 27.
Makar took home 176 votes, the number one in the 191, and recorded 1,861 votes to win Noristrophie for the first time since 2021-22. He was an award finalist in five of his first six NHL seasons.
Zach Welenski of the Columbus Blue Jacket won 13 votes and finished with 1,266 points, while Vancouver Canucks Captain Quin Hughes scored second-place votes and 918 points. Hughes was about to become the first repeat winner of the award since Detroit Red Wings Hall of Fame Niklas Ridstrom was captured for three consecutive years from 2005 to 2006 to 2007 to 2008.
Makar opened the season with a 13-game streak. He led all NHL defensive men this season with goals (30), assists (62) and points (92).
