2026 NHL Norris Trophy Picks

Cale Makar and Zach Werenski are in a dead heat to win the Norris Trophy for the league's best defenseman. With about a quarter of the season to play following the NHL's Winter Olympic break, let's take a look at the latest award futures. Odds are subject to change.

James Norris Memorial Trophy
Cale Makar COL	-120	-120	-120
Zach Werenski CLB	-120	-120	-120
Quinn Hughes VAN	+1400	+1400	+1400
Evan Bouchard EDM	+3300	+3300	+3300
Lane Hutson MTL	+3300	+3300	+3300
Moritz Seider DET	+5000	+5000	+5000

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Cooling on Cale?

Cale Makar (-120) was a unanimous choice to win his third-career James Norris Trophy a month ago. However, his case has cooled considerably. The Avalanche blueliner no longer leads all defensemen in points, as he's now tied for fourth with 57, while his 15 goals ties him for fifth in the NHL.

Worse yet, the 27-year-old is taking considerable heat for not backchecking harder on Jack Hughes' golden goal in Team Canada's 2-1 overtime loss to the Americans in the Olympic men's hockey final. You can bet that play will stick in the minds of the hockey writers (many of whom are Canadian) when they cast their ballots for the Norris.

Favourite travel destination? Superstition? Famous phone contact? Hero? Useless talent? Learn a little more about Cale Makar in his 45-Second Shift. ⏱️#MilanoCortina2026 | @HockeyAlberta | @Avalanche pic.twitter.com/VBAQgZsax8

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) February 15, 2026

Put it all on Zach?

Zach Werenski (-120) assisted on the Hughes OT goal that won Team USA the gold medal, capping off a tournament that saw him register six points with plus-8 rating. The Columbus defender is currently sitting in second in the NHL in both goals (20) and points (62).

The Blue Jackets are only four points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after reeling off seven-consecutive wins before the Olympic break. Getting in the dance would seriously bolster Werenski's chances at winning the award.

Other contenders

Quinn Hughes (+1400) has transformed Minnesota's offense since his acquisition from Vancouver, scoring 34 points in 26 games with the Wild. While the 26-year-old American only has five goals this year, his 57 points are only six back of Evan Bouchard (+3300) for the league lead. Speaking of the Oilers blueliner, his defensive game is likely too weak to garner Norris votes.

Lane Hutson (+3300) is tied for third among D-men with 58 points. The Montreal Canadiens' defender has only become more prolific since being moved to his natural left side in December, tallying 36 points in 28 contests.

Jim and Ellen Hughes (pictured) watching Quinn and Jack Hughes (pictured) celebrate a goal at the Olympics...

What a moment for the Hughes family 🥹🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/DiQcVPppnZ

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 14, 2026

Super longshot bet

Moritz Seider (+5000) would be a slam dunk to win the Norris a few decades back before the award became the Art Ross Trophy for defensemen. The Detroit Red Wings blueliner has far superior defensive metrics to Makar, after all. According to The Athletic's Dom Luszczyszyn, the big German could become the first D-man in decades to post both an Offensive Rating and a Defensive Rating north of plus-10.

While Zach Werenski (-120) would win the award if the season ended today, he'll need his Jackets to make the postseason to seal the deal. That makes Quinn Hughes (+1400) a safer bet at much longer odds.

Quinn Hughes to win Norris Trophy

+1400

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