Cale Makar Going from Calder Winner to Norris Candidate for Avalanche

The James Norris Memorial Trophy for league’s best defenseman was incorporated into the NHL in 1954. Since then, there has only been one other player in history to win the Calder and Norris in consecutive seasons. That player was none other than Bobby Orr and he won the Calder in 1967, and then went on to win eight straight Norris trophies from 1968 through 1975.

No one expects Makar to become the next Orr, nor match that stretch, but it would definitely be a historical feat for him to go from rookie of the year to best defenseman in back-to-back seasons.

Early 2020-21 Numbers

In addition to total points and average time on ice, Wegman uses a couple of extra statistical metrics to make his point. More specifically, he uses:

• xGF%: a stat which calculates the share of expected goals a team produces while a player is on the ice at five-on-five
• OZS%: which calculates the percentage of offensive-zone starts a player receives at five-on-five (excluding neutral-zone and on-the-fly starts)

Accordingly, Makar is the leader in nearly every category versus Wegman’s other four candidates: Shea Weber, Shea Theodore, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Noah Hanifin. Interestingly, the current NHL point leader amongst defenseman – who is not listed as a top candidate or honorable mention – is last years Calder runner-up, Quinn Hughes.

Heading into Thursday evening’s NHL action, the Vancouver Canucks have played nine games. Hughes has collected a goal and eight helpers during those contests. Meanwhile, the Avalanche have played seven games and Makar has recorded eight assists and sits in 2nd place for defenseman scoring respectively.

It is unfortunate that these two are now an automatic comparison, but this pair of young defenders will continuously be the benchmark against one another. Similar to Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin comparisons or Connor McDavid vs. Auston Matthews, it might be annoying now, but the comparison will likely be a huge compliment over the long run.

The Avs Blue Line Isn’t Just Makar

Yes, it is early to discuss the Norris and it is far too early to guess what player might eventually take home the hardware as the season ends. After all, the easy choice for the 2020 Norris winner at Christmas (2019) would have been Washington Capitals star defender John Carlson. Obviously, Roman Josi silenced that bid by becoming the first Swiss born player to ever win the Norris.

While it might be too early to predict the eventual Norris winner, I do not think it is too early to report the Colorado Avalanche as having the best collection of starting six defenseman throughout the league.

In addition to Makar (age 22), the Avalanche now have a healthy Erik Johnson (32) along with an unreal group of young studs including: Devon Toews (26), Ryan Graves (25), Samuel Girard (22), and 19-year-old Bowen Byram.  Is there a better group out there? The Montreal Canadiens might be a consideration, or last year’s Stanley Cup champions the Tampa Bay Lightning might get a few votes, but the list would be short.

Disagree? Let me know!