Norris Trophy Rankings: Makar, Hughes duking it out again

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's 2024-25 Norris Trophy Rankings. We publish new rankings once a month throughout the campaign.

These rankings focus on analytics and the all-around ability of defensemen rather than only points or reputation.

xGF% = five-on-five expected goals for percentage

5. Josh Morrissey, Jets

Morrissey has been a catalyst for the best team in the league, ranking second among NHL defensemen in points and just outside the top 10 in average time on ice. He's been arguably Winnipeg's most valuable skater.

His advanced metrics aren't quite as dominant as the other defenders on this list, so he comes in a bit lower than some may expect. The Jets are only outscoring the opposition by a slight 9-7 margin with Morrissey on the ice at five-on-five, and that's with a bit of puck luck both ways.

4. Victor Hedman, Lightning

It's been a resurgent start to the season for Hedman. While he remained highly productive offensively in 2023-24, he posted rather poor underlying numbers over the last two campaigns. But that's not the story this season. Hedman's xGF% is the best it's been in years, and the Lightning are outscoring opponents 15-6 with the 33-year-old on the ice at five-on-five.

Perhaps uncoincidentally, Ryan McDonagh is back in Tampa after a two-year stint with the Predators. McDonagh's pairing with Erik Cernak has soaked up defensive zone starts and combated some tough matchups, helping free up Hedman to dominate offensively.

3. Brock Faber, Wild

Faber isn't setting the world on fire offensively, but there's a case to be made that he's been the NHL's best defensive defenseman this season. His expected goals against per 60 minutes rank fifth among NHL blue-liners with at least 200 minutes at five-on-five. The Wild are also outscoring opponents by a robust 13-4 margin with Faber on the ice at five-on-five.

Most impressively, Faber has been this dominant despite being a true workhorse, placing sixth among NHL skaters in average time on ice. The eight-year, $68-million extension he signed before the start of the campaign is looking like a savvy move by GM Bill Guerin, who, at this rate, will almost surely select Faber for the United States' 4 Nations Face-Off squad.

2. Quinn Hughes, Canucks

Hughes is picking up where he left off after winning the Norris Trophy last season. There hasn't been a repeat winner since Nicklas Lidstrom won three straight from 2006-08, but Hughes is making a strong case so far.

He's been downright dominant in driving play. Along with his sparkling xGF%, the Canucks are outscoring opponents 15-4 with Hughes on the ice at five-on-five. Hughes is playing the best defensive hockey of his career and has been his usually dynamic self offensively. On Tuesday, he became the third-fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach 300 career assists.

1. Cale Makar, Avalanche

Makar has been on another level to begin the 2024-25 campaign. The consensus best defenseman in the league has elevated his game to new heights, ranking tied for third among all NHL skaters - yes, including forwards - in points. That alone should put him in the Hart Trophy race, too.

Sure, a league-high 12 points have come on the man advantage, but Colorado's No. 2-ranked power play, which Makar quarterbacks, is a major reason the Avalanche are still treading water despite a depleted forward group and some horrendous goaltending. Makar also sits tied for first among defensemen in even-strength points.

Some may point to Makar's minus-8 rating as a reason he shouldn't be atop this list, but that's mostly a byproduct of the Avalanche's aforementioned poor goaltending.

Keep an eye on:

• John Carlson, Capitals
• Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres
• Gustav Forsling, Panthers
• Adam Fox, Rangers
• Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets

(Analytics source: Natural Stat Trick)