BREAKING: Vancouver Canucks Star with the Norris Trophy, Announced by NHL.

The NHL announced the three finalists for the Norris Trophy in 2024, and they’re the blueliners expected to be there. Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi, and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar are all in the running to be named the NHL’s top defenseman of the 2023-24 season, as voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Hughes, 24, had an incredible regular season for the Canucks, setting new career highs with 17 goals, 75 assists and 92 points in 82 games. He also led all NHL defensemen in points, which naturally builds his case. Hughes was a significant reason for the Canucks’ massive turnaround this regular season. He was dominant offensively, made an impact with his steady defensive play and fit into the captain’s role beautifully. As a result, he has a good shot of winning his first career Norris Trophy

Josi, 33, is the oldest player of the three finalists. The veteran defenseman had an outstanding season, with 23 goals, 85 points and a plus-12 rating in 82 games.

The Predators entered this season with fairly low expectations, as they were massive sellers at the 2023 NHL trade deadline the season before. However, Josi’s all-around solid play helped the club get back into the playoffs in 2024. Thus, he has a case to win his second career Norris Trophy after earning his first in 2019-20. Makar, 24, was considered to be in a two-blueliner battle with Hughes for much of the season before Josi cranked up the production in the second half. In 77 games, the 2017 fourth overall pick had 21 goals, 90 points and a plus-15 rating. While Makar did not lead all NHL defensemen in points, he had a slightly better pace of production than Hughes.

Given his dominance this season, Makar has a good shot of winning his second career Norris Trophy. His lone win came back during the 2021-22 season.