Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets has taken the lead as the favorite to win the 2025-26 Norris Trophy, currently holding odds of -115. His remarkable performance over the past 22 games includes 11 goals and 32 points, placing him among the top defensemen in scoring this season. Werenski ranks second in points for defensemen, trailing Evan Bouchard by just one, and holds the second spot in goals among defense players, behind Jakob Chychrun with 20 goals.
This rise marks a significant shift in the Norris Trophy landscape, as Cale Makar, who previously dominated the odds, has dropped to fourth in defensive scoring. Although Makar’s point production has slowed, tallying just one point over five games, a strong showing in the upcoming Olympics could boost his standing and potentially put him back in prime position for the award.
Current Norris Trophy Odds and Market Movements
As of February 19, BetMGM’s odds board lists Zach Werenski as the favorite to claim the Norris Trophy. The betting market reveals a shifting confidence among fans and expert bettors alike, with Werenski’s recent surge influencing this change.
Understanding Public and Sharp Bettor Preferences for the Norris Trophy
Analyzing betting trends provides insight into how public and sharp bettors view the race for the Norris Trophy. Despite his recent scoring lull, Cale Makar continues to receive significant support from the public, with 14.3% of all Norris Trophy bets. However, this figure has shown a consistent decline in recent updates, hinting at a possible shift in momentum.
Sharp bettors exhibit a stronger concentration on Makar, previously accounting for 36.8% of bets, now down to 31.4%. This decrease aligns with Werenski’s ascendancy, suggesting that savvy bettors are adjusting their wagers based on recent performances.
Recent and Historical Norris Trophy Champions Reflect Shifting Defensive Excellence
The Norris Trophy has seen a gradual transition from veteran winners like Roman Josi, Brent Burns, and Mark Giordano to younger stars such as Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. Notably, age remains no barrier to success at this position; Erik Karlsson secured his third Norris at 32 after an outstanding 101-point season with the San Jose Sharks in 2022-23.
Among the legends of the award, Bobby Orr stands out for winning seven consecutive Norris Trophies from 1969 to 1975, a record that remains unmatched. Niklas Lidstrom also achieved seven wins, though not consecutively, underscoring his sustained dominance during his career.
Franchise Impact on Norris Trophy Success
The Original Six NHL franchises dominate the number of Norris Trophy winners, with five of the top six teams having multiple recipients. The New York Islanders stand as the lone non-Original Six team with notable success in this category, securing three Norris trophies largely through Denis Potvin’s achievements.
Interestingly, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the only Original Six franchise without a Norris Trophy winner, despite coming close multiple times. Defensemen like Carl Brewer, Allan Stanley, Tim Horton, and Börje Salming have all been runners-up, with Horton and Salming finishing second twice.
Teams Yet to Claim the Norris Trophy
Thirteen NHL franchises have yet to produce a Norris Trophy winner since the award’s inception in 1954. This list includes teams such as 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.
The Vancouver Canucks were recently removed from this group after Quinn Hughes secured the top defenseman award in 2024, illustrating how new talent can shift franchise histories in the Norris conversation.
Traits and Trends Common Among Norris Trophy Winners
The Norris Trophy often favors defensemen who contribute heavily to their team’s offensive production while maintaining strong defensive play. Over the past decade, eight out of ten winners ranked within the top two in points among defensemen, highlighting the importance of scoring.
Additionally, players who log substantial ice time tend to have an advantage, as more minutes provide greater opportunity to impact the game and accumulate points. An intriguing trend indicates that teams with the Norris winner seldom secure the Stanley Cup in the same season, advising bettors to be cautious about linking individual defensive accolades with playoff success.
Implications and Outlook for the 2025-26 Norris Race
Zach Werenski’s rapid rise as the leading contender for the Norris Trophy injects fresh energy into the race for the NHL’s top defenseman honor. His offensive surge and consistent scoring place him in a strong position to challenge long-standing favorites like Cale Makar, whose recent cooldown leaves room for rivals to gain ground.
As the NHL season progresses, performances at high-profile events such as the Olympics may further alter the dynamics of the voting. Fans and bettors alike are watching with anticipation, understanding that the Norris Trophy battle remains highly competitive and subject to late-season shifts.
