As the Stanley Cup Playoffs progress, the National Hockey League has begun the process of naming the finalists for its prominent awards for the 2024-25 season.
Recently, the league announced the three finalists vying for the Norris Trophy, an esteemed award presented annually to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability. This year`s contenders are Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks.
Hughes, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, continued his stellar performance this season by leading the Canucks in both points (76) and assists (60). His 26-point lead over his closest teammate in scoring was a significant margin. Only Erik Karlsson achieved a larger lead (34 points with the Sharks in 2022-23) on his team`s scoring chart among defensemen in recent history. This marks the fourth consecutive season Hughes has reached the 60-point mark, a feat accomplished by only three other defensemen in NHL history.
Meanwhile, Cale Makar stood out by leading all NHL defensemen in scoring with 92 points, including 30 goals and 62 assists. Makar previously secured the Norris Trophy for his exceptional play during the 2021-22 season. Zach Werenski also had a career year, setting personal bests with 82 points, 23 goals, and 59 assists. Notably, he became the first defenseman in Columbus Blue Jackets history to lead the team in scoring. Werenski would be the first player from the Blue Jackets franchise to win the Norris Trophy if he is selected.
The NHL plans to unveil the finalists for its remaining awards daily throughout the middle of May. The 2025 NHL Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in June 2025, though a specific date has not yet been confirmed.
Vezina Trophy Finalists
The Vezina Trophy is awarded to the goaltender who is judged to be the best at his position.
- Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
- Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings)
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Norris Trophy Finalists
The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.
- Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
- Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Torin Vale 
Elton Marrow