Zach Werenski has taken over as the frontrunner for the 2025-26 Norris Trophy, currently favored at -115 odds. The Columbus Blue Jackets’ defenseman has been on an extraordinary streak, tallying 11 goals and 32 points over his last 22 games, positioning himself as a top contender for the league’s best defenseman award.
Werenski ranks second in overall scoring among defensemen, trailing only Evan Bouchard by a single point, and holds the second spot in goals scored behind Jakob Chychrun with 20 tallies. This impressive offensive performance has reshaped the Norris Trophy race, particularly with Cale Makar’s surprising slide.
Shift in Norris Trophy Leadership
For the first time this season, Cale Makar is no longer the frontrunner to win the Norris Trophy. Despite being a dominant figure in recent years, Makar’s scoring has slowed down considerably, with just one point over the past five games, placing him fourth in defensemen scoring ranks. However, his potential strong showing upon returning from the Olympics could quickly reclaim his position at the top of defensive scoring charts and reestablish him as the leading candidate to win the Norris Trophy once again.
How the Betting Landscape Looks for the Norris Trophy
As of February 11, BetMGM’s odds show a clear shift favoring Zach Werenski, while Cale Makar’s support among bettors is declining. Public betting indicates that Makar still holds 14.6% of the wagering share, but this figure has decreased in consecutive updates, signaling unease among casual bettors.
Sharp bettors, known for more analytical wagering, have historically backed Makar at a higher rate, currently at 36.8%, yet their confidence has also been waning recently. This trend suggests a growing belief that Werenski’s recent surge can maintain momentum, possibly upsetting preseason expectations.
Recent Norris Trophy Champions Reflect the Changing Defensive Landscape
The last decade of Norris Trophy winners reflects a transition from veteran stalwarts to dynamic younger defensemen. Players like Roman Josi, Brent Burns, and Mark Giordano gave way to rising stars such as Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. Nevertheless, age remains no barrier to excellence; Erik Karlsson, at 32, captured his third Norris Trophy in the 2022-23 season following an outstanding 101-point performance for the San Jose Sharks.
Historical Dominance in the Norris Trophy Race
No defenseman has dominated the Norris Trophy quite like Bobby Orr, who impressively won the award seven consecutive times from 1969 to 1975. Niklas Lidstrom also made an indelible mark by securing seven Norris trophies, though not in consecutive years like Orr.
Franchise Successes in Norris Trophy Wins
Five of the six franchises with the most Norris Trophy victories belong to the NHL’s Original Six, except for the New York Islanders, who have earned three trophies largely thanks to Denis Potvin’s achievements. The Toronto Maple Leafs stand out as the only Original Six team without a Norris Trophy winner, despite several close calls. Defenders such as Carl Brewer, Allan Stanley, Tim Horton, and Börje Salming finished as runners-up multiple times but never secured the award.
Teams Still Awaiting Their First Norris Trophy Winner
Surprisingly, 13 NHL teams have never had a player win the Norris Trophy since the award’s inception in 1954. This list includes franchises like the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights, and Winnipeg Jets. Vancouver was the most recent team to end this drought when Quinn Hughes earned the honor in 2024.
Despite the relatively small pool of candidates, the Norris Trophy remains fiercely competitive, showcasing the league’s elite defensive talents year after year.
Trends Influencing Norris Trophy Betting
Norris Trophy selections often favor defensemen who significantly contribute to their team’s offense. While strong defensive performance is crucial, point production stands out as a key indicator. Over the previous decade, eight out of ten Norris winners were among the top two scorers among defensemen.
Playing time also influences chances; defensemen logging heavy minutes have more opportunities to generate points and demonstrate their value. Interestingly, although the Norris winner is celebrated as the premier defenseman, their team rarely wins the Stanley Cup in the same season, with only one-ever overlap in recent history, suggesting the award recognizes individual excellence rather than guaranteed team success.
What Lies Ahead for Norris Trophy Contenders
Zach Werenski’s recent surge has thrust him into the spotlight, challenging established figures like Cale Makar to respond. As the NHL season progresses, both players’ performances will be closely watched, especially post-Olympics, given the potential shift in momentum. Werenski’s rise presents a compelling story for the Norris Trophy race, underscoring the unpredictability and intensity of competition among the league’s top defensemen.
For fans, analysts, and bettors, this evolving contest illustrates the dynamic nature of elite defense play in today’s NHL, promising an exciting finish to the 2025-26 season as Werenski aims to end the Columbus Blue Jackets’ long Norris Trophy drought.
