Norris Trophy Odds (2025-26)

The following post features Norris Trophy Odds (2025-26).

With the 2025-26 NHL season underway, sportsbooks have released the James Norris Memorial Trophy odds, providing a look at the top contenders for the award recognizing the best all-around defenseman.

Read: NHL Vezina Trophy Odds

Related: NHL Art Ross Trophy Odds

As the NHL season progresses, bettors and fans can see which elite defensemen are likely to drive offense, anchor special teams, and stand out as the league’s most effective players this season.

So, how is the Norris Trophy race shaping up for 2025-26? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Last season, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche captured his second James Norris Memorial Trophy, earning a dominant victory with 176 of 191 first-place votes over Zach Werenski (2nd place) and the previous winner, Quinn Hughes (3rd place). Makar’s win was built on a historic offensive campaign, as he led all NHL defensemen in goals (30), assists (62), and points (92), becoming the first blueliner to hit the 30-goal mark since 2009. His elite production, combined with his high average time on ice (25:43 per game) and strong all-around defensive metrics, made the vote a landslide. Makar now joins an exclusive list of only 14 defensemen to win multiple Norris Trophies in their career.

James Norris Memorial Trophy

The James Norris Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the National Hockey League defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability in the position. The winner is determined by a poll taken at the conclusion of the regular season, submitted by members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA). This award is historically dominated by blueliners who lead in offensive production, typically requiring them to rank among the league’s scoring leaders while also maintaining high average Time On Ice (TOI) and being featured heavily on both the power play and penalty kill. The selection process weighs this elite offensive output alongside strong defensive metrics, plus/minus ratings, and the overall success of the player’s team.

James Norris Trophy Odds (2025-26)

Below is a table displaying the odds for the James Norris Memorial Trophy. All odds were sourced on Oct 20, 2025. Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

Player Spotlights

Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche, +115)

Makar is the narrow favorite and the established standard-bearer for the modern Norris Trophy, having won the award in two of the last four seasons. The +115 odds reflect his near-guaranteed offensive dominance; he led all defensemen last season with 92 points and 30 goals, an extremely rare feat. The betting case for Makar is simple: he is the engine of an elite offense, plays over 25 minutes a night on both special teams, and is consistently top-tier in defensive metrics. If he remains healthy and the Avalanche compete for the Central Division crown, his production makes him the player to beat.

Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks, +220)

Hughes, the 2023-24 Norris winner and the only other true favorite, provides excellent value at +220. His case rests entirely on his ability to play a full, healthy season; last year, he missed time but was still producing at a 103-point pace when factoring in points per game. Hughes is the undisputed catalyst for the Canucks’ offense, generating huge on-ice expected goals and controlling possession. If the Canucks remain a Western Conference contender and Hughes stays healthy for 75+ games, his elite offensive impact and strong team success narrative make him the most dangerous challenger to Makar.

Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets, +1100)

Werenski is a high-upside option and a strong dark horse after finishing second in Norris voting last season. The betting interest at +1100 stems from his breakout 82-point campaign last year, where he led the Blue Jackets in scoring. Werenski is a true “all-around” prototype, excelling in high-danger scoring chances and averaging massive minutes in all situations. For this futures bet to pay off, the Blue Jackets must significantly climb the standings and flirt with a playoff spot, allowing Werenski’s impressive individual production to be magnified by team success in the eyes of the PHWA voters.

Adam Fox (New York Rangers, +1300)

Fox, the 2021 Norris winner, has seen his odds slide due to a slight dip in his 5-on-5 possession metrics and overall production last season. However, at +1300, he represents veteran pedigree and a proven track record of winning the award. The betting case is based on a bounce-back year: Fox remains the anchor of the Rangers’ elite power play and still drives play better than most defensemen. If the Rangers are a top-three seed in the Metropolitan Division and Fox returns to his 70-80 point production while showcasing his elite defensive positioning, the value at this price point is immense.

Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens, +3300)

Hutson is the most intriguing long shot on the board, representing the next wave of offensive defensemen. The betting value at +3300 is based on the expectation of a massive statistical jump in his first full NHL season. Hutson projects to be an immediate power-play focal point for the Canadiens, and his offensive instincts could translate into high assist totals quickly. While the Canadiens are not expected to be a playoff team (which usually hurts Norris bids), if Hutson can post rookie-record offensive numbers for a defenseman and carry Montreal’s power play, he has the unique, high-scoring narrative required to challenge the established favorites.

Norris Trophy Winners (2015-Present)

The table below highlights every Norris Trophy winner since 2015.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes dominate the field as the statistical frontrunners, Zach Werenski, Adam Fox, and Lane Hutson present compelling alternatives, whose combination of elite offensive production, heavy ice-time usage, and team success narratives position them strongly to win the James Norris Memorial Trophy.