Who Will Win the 2024-25 NHL James Norris Memorial Trophy?

Last updated Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 12:38 pmSports By Paige Wilson

Last updated Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 12:38 pmSports By Paige Wilson

Who Will Win the 2024-25 NHL James Norris Memorial Trophy?

The James Norris Memorial Trophy was first awarded during the 1953-54 NHL season and is named after James E. Norris, the Detroit Red Wings’ former owner.

The award is annually presented to the top defense player in the NHL “who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.”

Professional Hockey Writers’ Association members choose the best defenseman in the league.

Also, the recipient will stand alongside some of the best players in the sport’s history, such as eight-time winner Bobby Orr (Boston Bruins) and seven-time recipients Doug Harvey (Montreal Canadiens) and Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings).

If you are excited to learn who will win the 2024-25 NHL James Norris Memorial Trophy, continue reading to learn more.

The trajectory of the odds for this BEO bet indicates it is most probable Cale Makar will win the 2024-25 NHL James Norris Memorial Trophy ::: Discover the latest Bet Entertainment Odds predictions for this market.

Cale Makar is Most Likely to Win

Cale Makar is tipped to win the prestigious James Norris Memorial Trophy for the 2024-25 NHL season.

He continues to be an asset to the Colorado Avalanche, as he has scored an impressive 21 goals in 77 games and provided 69 assists, equaling 90 points. For this reason, he has averaged the most points per game than any other defenseman this season.

Thanks to his defensive and offensive skills, the Colorado Avalanche is in a strong position to lift the Stanley Cup this year.

If the team wins the championship, it is likely inevitable that Makar will receive the sought-after James Norris Memorial Trophy. If so, it will be the second time in his career, as he won the award following his third professional season in 2022.

Zach Werenski Could Lift the Trophy

Many Columbus Blue Jackets fans will be the first to agree that Zach Werenski has placed the team in a strong position for the wild card this season.

Thanks to his offensive skills, he has secured 49 assists for the team, equaling 66 points, and the season isn’t over. Also, he is hot on Makar’s heels with 20 goals in 63 games, placing him in a strong position for the James Norris Memorial Trophy this year.

Also, the Columbus Blue Jackets rely on Werenski’s defensive skills much more than the Colorado Avalanche does with Cale Makar.

Don’t Rule Out Quinn Hughes

Quinn Hughes shouldn’t be overlooked for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, as he’s scored 14 goals in 51 games and achieved 47 assists, helping his team secure 61 points.

As a result, he has almost met his record of 17 goals in a season, which he could break by the end of the 2024-25 season.

It is a fantastic feat considering Hughes has sustained various injuries, such as an oblique injury in 2025 and a scratch during a Detroit Red Wings game in February 2025.

With the odds stacked against him at times, Hughes has continued to prove he is one of the best defensemen in the NHL, which will likely result in him being named a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy at the very least.

As the 2024-25 season isn’t over yet, it is hard to predict who will lift the world-respected trophy this year. The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards ceremony, which is expected to be held in late June 2025.