The race for the NHL’s best defenseman has taken a shocking turn! Find out why NHL Norris Trophy Rankings: Cale Makar Dethroned By A Pair Of American Defenders is the biggest story in hockey right now.
The NHL might be on an Olympic break, but the debate over who is the league’s top defenseman is hotter than ever. For years, Cale Makar has held a virtual monopoly on the top spot, but the 2025-26 season has brought a massive shift in momentum. As of late February, the NHL Norris Trophy Rankings: Cale Makar Dethroned By A Pair Of American Defenders shows that the guard is officially changing.
Current Norris Trophy Front-Runners (Feb 2026)
| Rank | Player | Team | Points / PPG | Betting Odds |
| 1 | Zach Werenski | Columbus Blue Jackets | 62 / 1.19 | -115 |
| 2 | Quinn Hughes | Vancouver Canucks | 57 / 1.10 | +2500 |
| 3 | Cale Makar | Colorado Avalanche | 57 / 1.04 | -110 |
| 4 | Evan Bouchard | Edmonton Oilers | 63 / 1.11 | +3500 |
| 5 | Lane Hutson | Montreal Canadiens | 58 / 1.02 | +3500 |
The Rise of Zach Werenski in Columbus
If you haven’t been watching the Blue Jackets lately, you’re missing the best hockey of Zach Werenski’s career. He isn’t just leading his team; he is arguably the most valuable player on any roster in the league. The primary reason NHL Norris Trophy Rankings: Cale Makar Dethroned By A Pair Of American Defenders is a reality today is Werenski’s staggering 1.19 points-per-game average.
Werenski is playing a massive 26:22 per night and leads Columbus in both goals and total points. He was the catalyst for their seven-game winning streak NHL Norris Trophy heading into the Olympic break. In a year where scoring is at a premium, a defenseman leading his entire team in scoring is nearly impossible for trophy voters to ignore.
Quinn Hughes and the American Takeover
Joining Werenski at the top is the wizard of Vancouver, Quinn Hughes. While he started the season relatively slow by his own high standards, his recent surge has been legendary. This dual-threat dominance is why the headline NHL Norris Trophy Rankings: Cale Makar Dethroned By A Pair Of American Defenders is trending across sports networks.
Hughes has a 1.10 points-per-game average and has vastly improved his defensive metrics and plus-minus rating. His ability to control the pace of the game from the back end has turned the Canucks into a Pacific Division powerhouse. NHL Norris Trophy When you compare his current form to Makar’s, Hughes currently holds the edge in offensive puck possession and transition efficiency.
What Happened to Cale Makar?
It feels strange to see Makar at number three. He is still having a season that 99% of defensemen would dream of, sitting with 57 points and a plus-28 rating. However, the NHL Norris Trophy Rankings: Cale Makar Dethroned By A Pair Of American Defenders reflects a “voter fatigue” and the sheer brilliance of the players above him.
Makar hasn’t been “bad”—he’s simply been eclipsed by the historic seasons Werenski and Hughes are putting together. Makar remains the most dangerous skater in the league, and a strong finish after the Olympics could easily see him reclaim his throne, but for now, he is chasing the pack.
The Young Guns: Hutson and Bouchard
The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Evan Bouchard and the rookie sensation Lane Hutson. Bouchard actually leads all defensemen in raw points with 63, but his defensive lapses keep him slightly behind the top three. Meanwhile, Hutson is proving that size doesn’t matter, sitting 4th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes.
The depth of talent on the blue line this year is staggering. Because the NHL Norris Trophy Rankings: Cale Makar Dethroned By A Pair Of American Defenders, the race for the finish line in April is going to be one of the closest in NHL history. Any of these five men could make a valid case for the trophy by the time the playoffs arrive.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 season has proven that no king reigns forever. While Cale Makar remains a generational talent, the NHL Norris Trophy Rankings: Cale Makar Dethroned By A Pair Of American Defenders shows that Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes have reached a new level of dominance. As the NHL prepares to resume play after Milan, the battle for the Norris Trophy will be the premier storyline to watch. Whether it’s Werenski’s leadership or Hughes’ creativity, the blue line has never looked more exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the current favorite to win the Norris Trophy?
According to the latest NHL Norris Trophy Rankings: Cale Makar Dethroned By A Pair Of American Defenders, Zach Werenski holds the best odds at -115.
2. Why did Cale Makar drop in the rankings?
Makar is still playing at an elite level, but Werenski and Hughes have higher points-per-game averages and have been more central to their respective teams’ recent success.
3. Is Evan Bouchard higher in points than Werenski?
Yes, Bouchard has 63 points to Werenski’s 62, but Werenski has played fewer games, giving him a higher points-per-game average (1.19).
4. How is rookie Lane Hutson doing in the rankings?
Hutson is currently ranked 5th. Despite being only 5-foot-9, his defensive metrics are among the best in the league for top-scoring defensemen.
5. When will the Norris Trophy winner be announced?
The winner will be revealed during the NHL Awards ceremony in June 2026, following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
