Norris Trophy Rankings: Hughes looking to repeat

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

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

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

5. Vladislav Gavrikov, Kings

Previous: Unranked

No Drew Doughty, no problem for the Kings thus far. They're on pace for 100 points despite not having their top defenseman through the first two months of the campaign. Gavrikov's efforts are a major reason why.

Gavrikov has been arguably the best shutdown defender in the league this season. Among blue-liners with at least 200 five-on-five minutes, the 6-foot-3, 221-pound Russian ranks fourth in expected goals against per 60 minutes despite playing highly difficult matchups on a nightly basis. This is all while primarily playing his off side, no less.

His offense is nothing special - although 35-point pace is nothing to scoff at - but Gavrikov's elite defensive play makes him worthy of being on this list.

4. Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets

Previous: Unranked

Picked by many to finish near the bottom of the NHL's standings - if not the basement - the Blue Jackets have surprised everyone by remaining in the playoff race in December. Werenski has been the chief contributor as the team's undisputed MVP.

Unlike most players on this list, Werenski doesn't have a lot of talent around him to work with. He's one of three defensemen in the league currently leading his team in points. Werenski is driving play at both ends of the ice while being a true workhorse, leading all NHL skaters in ATOI.

3. Victor Hedman, Lightning

Previous: 4

Hedman is showing that his resurgent start to the season was no fluke. He's continued his strong play with nine points and a 54.7% xGF% in nine games since the last edition of these rankings.

Tampa Bay's shutdown pair of Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak handle the toughest matchups, but Hedman's dominating in the minutes he's being given. The Bolts are outscoring teams 22-13 with their captain on the ice at five-on-five.

2. Cale Makar, Avalanche

Previous: 1

Makar has slowed down a bit over the last month relative to the absurd pace he had set for himself, as he managed a modest nine points in 12 games since the previous rankings. However, he still leads all NHL defensemen in assists and points, and he's tied for first in goals.

The 2022 Norris winner is certainly closer to the top spot on this list than he is to No. 3, but right now there's no question as to who the new No. 1 should be.

1. Quinn Hughes, Canucks

Previous: 2

There hasn't been a repeat Norris winner since Nicklas Lidstrom claimed three straight from 2006-08, but Hughes is aiming to change that.

Hughes ranks second to Makar in assists and points among defensemen, but he's producing with far less help around him. While Makar has Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen producing at elite rates, the same can't be said for Hughes' Canucks. Elias Pettersson is having a down year relative to his standards, J.T. Miller is on an indefinite personal leave, and Brock Boeser missed seven games due to injury. The Canucks would be lost without their captain.

Hughes is the engine driving Vancouver game after game, pacing the club with 29 points. His underlying numbers are stellar, both offensively and defensively. Among defensemen with at least 200 five-on-five minutes, he ranks fourth in xGF% and 10th in xGA/60.

Keep an eye on:

• John Carlson, Capitals
• Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres
• Brock Faber, Wild
• Adam Fox, Rangers
• Miro Heiskanen, Stars

(Analytics source: Natural Stat Trick)