Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes is on the brink of joining an elite circle in NHL history, earning a finalist nod for the Norris Trophy for the second consecutive year. The recognition puts him in a position to become the first back-to-back winner of the award since legendary defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom won three straight from 2006 to 2008.
Announced Tuesday, Hughes is one of three finalists for the award, which honors the defenseman who “demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.” He’s joined by Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
At 25, Hughes once again proved indispensable to the Canucks’ success. He led Vancouver in assists (60), points (76), and logged a team-high 25:44 of average ice time. Hughes’ blend of elite skating, vision, and composure under pressure was instrumental in propelling the Canucks back into contention.
Still, the competition is formidable. Makar, a previous Norris winner in 2021-22, delivered a spectacular campaign with 30 goals and 92 points — the most among all NHL defensemen. His dynamic two-way play and game-breaking talent continue to set the bar at the position.
Werenski, meanwhile, earned his first career nomination after an outstanding season anchoring the Blue Jackets’ blue line. He posted 59 assists and 82 points while leading the entire league in average ice time at 26:45 per game.
Hughes’ bid for history is more than just about statistics — it represents a statement about his evolution from high-end talent to one of the league’s most consistent and complete defenders. With the Canucks returning to the postseason spotlight, his impact is drawing deserved attention.
The winner will be revealed during the NHL Awards ceremony in late June, where Hughes hopes to solidify his place among the game’s all-time greats by becoming just the ninth defenseman in history to repeat as a Norris Trophy winner.
Leave a Reply