In a testament to his elite skill and consistency, Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes has been named a finalist for the 2025 James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top all-around defenceman. This marks a consecutive nomination for Hughes, who took home the prestigious honor in 2024.
What makes this year’s nod particularly impressive is that Hughes accomplished it despite missing 14 games due to injury—yet still managed to finish third in scoring among NHL defencemen. His 76 points in 68 games not only placed him behind only Cale Makar and Zach Werenski in total production, but also ranked him second in points per game (1.12), narrowly trailing Makar’s 1.15.
The NHL announced the finalists on Tuesday: Hughes, Makar (Colorado Avalanche), and Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets). While all three led the league in scoring from the blue line, the nomination process sparked familiar debates, particularly as both Hughes and Werenski did not make the postseason. Yet recent history offers context—Norris winners like Adam Fox (2021) and Erik Karlsson (2023) also lifted the trophy while playing for non-playoff teams.
Hughes’ case is strengthened not just by his offensive numbers but by his all-around impact. He logged the second-most ice time per game among all skaters at 25:44, a hair ahead of Makar and just behind Werenski. More notably, his pace earlier in the season hinted at something truly special. At the time of a minor injury in December, Hughes was on a blistering 101-point pace. Later, when a more serious setback sidelined him in February, he was leading all defencemen with 59 points in just 47 games—projecting to 98 points over 78 games.
Though his injury struggles may cost him a second straight Norris, Hughes’ ability to remain in the conversation for the NHL’s top defensive honor underscores his growing stature in the league. His mix of skating, offensive vision, and possession dominance continues to define the modern defenceman.
If health had been on his side, we might be discussing back-to-back Norris wins for the Canucks’ cornerstone blueliner. As it stands, his presence among the finalists is a reminder that even a shortened season from Quinn Hughes can rival the very best.
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