NHL Disrespects Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes with Controversial Norris Trophy Snub
Photo credit: NHL
Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was looking for his second consecutive Norris Trophy this year after yet another strong season on the blueline for his club.
Toward the end of April, the National Hockey League announced the nominees for their major awards, including for the Norris Trophy, which is handed out annually to the top "defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position".
For the second year in a row, Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was nominated for the award and was looking to win it in back-to-back years, something that hasn't been done since Nicklas Lidstrom, who won it three times in a row between 2005-06 and 2007-08.
Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes loses out on back-to-back Norris Trophies
On Wednesday, one day before they're set to hold their awards show, the National Hockey League announced this year's recipient for the Norris Trophy.
With 176 first place votes, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has been named the winner of the Norris Trophy for the 2024-25 season, marking the second time in the last four seasons that he's taken home the award.
"That's two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar to you. 🫵 #NHLAwards
The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position." the NHL said.
The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position." the NHL said.
Not only did Quinn Hughes lose out on the Norris Trophy, the Vancouver Canucks captain ended up finishing third in voting behind both Cale Makar and Zach Werenski.
Hughes received 110 third place votes, 39 second place votes and two first place votes, which came from Daniel Wagner of Glacier Media and Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News.
It was a difficult season for Quinn Hughes as he suited up for just 68 games, missing 14 due to injury including the 4 Nations Face-Off, but still managed to be above a point-per-game, finishing the 2024-25 campaign with 75 points (16 goals, 60 assists).
There's no doubt that finishing third for the Norris Trophy will light a fire under Quinn Hughes and will motivate him to take his game to another level heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
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