It’s not often there’s a debate brewing around Colorado Avalanche superstar blueliner Cale Makar’s Norris Trophy worthiness. Generally speaking, anyone wishing to challenge the reigning Norris Trophy winner must establish a clear-cut candidacy.
This year, however, Makar’s injury late in the season has opened the door for other players to step in and make a case for themselves. For instance, Edmonton Oilers Evan Bouchard has gotten plenty of attention with his offense, not his defense.
Meanwhile, Columbus Blue Jackets stalwart Zach Werenski has had another solid season. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Cale Makar is still the best all-around defenseman in the NHL.
That’s what Kevin Bieksa stated during the national broadcast of Hockey Night in Canada last Saturday night. And it’s something that Elliotte Friedman didn’t like.
“Cale Makar is the best defenseman in the world… He played 73 games this year, that’s enough to determine he’s the best defenseman in the world. He’s the number one defenseman on Colorado offensively and defensively. He’s the number one defenseman on Team Canada offensively and defensively. He’s going on the ice with a minute left up or down. He’s the only defenseman on your list that plays penalty kill, two minutes on average of ice time. He’s the overall best defenseman.”
Bieksa’s undeniable argument establishing Makar as the NHL’s best defenseman came on the heels of the stock given to the offensive side of the equation. And, to be honest, Bieksa is right. As much as Friedman wants to make a case for Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres or Bouchard, who’s an offensive defenseman with egregious defensive lapses, it’s Makar who’s the best blueliner, offensively and defensively.
That reality forced Friedman to concede the point.
“Of course, Cale Makar is one of the best defensemen… the bottom line is he’s Cale Makar.”
The Hockey Night in Canada panel argues their case for which defenceman deserves to win the Norris Trophy 👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/jby8AjKqng
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 12, 2026
If your argument for the Norris Trophy is that Cale Makar is Cale Makar, there’s very little anyone else can say to trump that logic.
Sure, other blueliners have had a great year. Dahlin should get consideration. He’s been the backbone of the resurgent Sabres team this season. The same could be said about Detroit Red Wings top blueliner Moritz Seider. Despite the disappointing season in Detroit, Seider has been among the NHL’s best all-around blueliners.
But Cale Makar is Cale Makar. That’s why Bieksa wins the argument hands down over anyone else. Friedman, as much as he would like someone else to win, will have a tough time convincing anyone that Makar should not get the award.
If Makar doesn’t win the Norris this season, it will be because of recency bias. Missing the final nine games of the season would have played a much bigger role than anyone could have thought.