The Avalanche’s Cale Makar was one of three finalists named Wednesday for the Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top defenseman.
The ballots were submitted by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association at the end of the regular season and Makar is joined by the New York Rangers’ Adam Fox and Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman.
At age 22, Makar is the youngest finalist since 21-year old Erik Karlsson won it for Ottawa in 2012 and only the fourth Avalanche finalist since 1996. Sandis Ozolinsh finished third in 1996-97, Ray Bourque second in 2000-01 and Rob Blake third in 2001-02.
“I think it’s definitely earned,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “He’s developing into a really good all-around player as a defenseman.”
Said Makar: “Obviously, very honored to be recognized as a finalist for that award. To be completely honest, it’s not something at the forefront of my mind now. We’ll worry about that when we get things finished up here.”
The Avalanche trail Vegas 3-2 in the teams’ second-round playoff series. Game 6 is Thursday in Las Vegas.
In his second full season with the Avalanche, Makar had 44 points (eight goals/36 assists) in 44 games — his points-per-game average of 1.00 led all NHL defensemen and was an Avs record.
“The jump in his game has been on the defensive side of it,” Bednar said. “He’s always been able to produce on the offensive side (and) drive the play from the back end, whether he’s leading the rush or joining it. He’s a more consistent and heavier defender for us this year and started to play more situations including time on the penalty kill if his minutes aren’t that high.”
If Makar or the 23-year-old Fox wins the award, they will be the second player to win the Norris in his first or second seasons — Boston’s Bobby Orr won in 1967-68 in his second season (age 19).
Makar, who was the NHL’s top rookie last season, is the second Avalanche player to be named an award finalist — goalie Philipp Grubauer is one of three finalists for the Vezina Trophy.
Two years ago, days after finishing his college season at Massachusetts, Makar debuted for the Avalanche in the playoffs against Calgary. The Avs upset the Flames and then lost to San Jose in seven games. The Sharks’ coach was current Vegas bench boss Pete DeBoer.
“I remember him coming out that year and how impressive he was at that point,” DeBoer said before the Knights-Avalanche series began. “You‘ve seen nothing but growth from his game. For me, he should be in the Norris (Trophy) conversation. He’s one of those generational defenseman that can really do it all — he can defend, he plays offense, he plays both special teams, he can skate for miles and days so minutes are never an issue. Just a rare player.”
Fox led NHL defensemen in assists (42) and points (47) and Hedman was third in points (45) and is a finalist for the fifth consecutive season; he won the Norris in 2017-18.
