James Norris Memorial Trophy

Description: First awarded in 1953-54, the James Norris Memorial Trophy is presented annually “to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.”

Voting: Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association submit ballots for the James Norris Memorial Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists.

History: The James Norris Memorial Trophy was presented in 1953 by the four children of the late James Norris in memory of the former owner-president of the Detroit Red Wings.

2025-26 Winner: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski won the 2025‑26 James Norris Memorial Trophy. Werenski was a top-five pick on 194 of 198 ballots, including 113 first-place selections, for 1,589 voting points. Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche was the top choice of 47 voters in collecting 1,191 points for second place, while third-place Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres garnered 13 first-place votes and 657 points. Werenski, from Grosse Pointe, Mich., became the sixth American player to capture the Norris Trophy, joining Chris Chelios (3x), Rod Langway (2x), Brian Leetch (2x), Adam Fox and Quinn Hughes. He led or was near the top of several categories for NHL defensemen in 2025‑26, including shots on goal (1st, 260), even-strength goals (t‑1st, 18), points (2nd, 81), even-strength points (2nd, 59), average time on ice (2nd, 26:37), goals (t‑3rd, 22) and assists (t‑4th, 59). Werenski tied the single-season franchise record for assists, matching his total from 2024‑25 and Artemi Panarin in 2018‑19, and became the 10th blueliner in NHL history to lead his team in scoring in consecutive seasons.