MAKAR WINS NORRIS: Avalanche Defenseman Is Voted The Best

Cale Makar, Norris Trophy winner. Best all-around defenseman in the NHL. That is his official designation tonight, with the trophy as proof.

Makar actually got fewer first-place votes from the PHWA and fewer third-place votes. It was that second-place voter bloc that made the slim, winning difference. He won by very, very slim 25 points overall.

Makar was the deserving winner. Nothing against Roman Josi, but a huge number of his points this season were secondary assists (look it up). Makar actually tries to play solid defense too, while Josi is too slow to make a real difference on the back in his own zone. His paltry plus-minus number exhibits that only too clearly.

Cale Makar won this trophy deservedly, and I have no doubt he’ll win many more – health permitting.