Hughes claims Norris Trophy as NHL's best defenseman

Vancouver Canucks rearguard Quinn Hughes brought home his first career Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman in 2023-24.

Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi and Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar were the other two finalists. The Professional Hockey Writers Association votes on the award at the end of the regular season.

Here's how the voting broke down:

Quinn Hughes is the 2024 James Norris Memorial Trophy winner.#NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/9QxKaXHGly

- PHWA (@ThePHWA) June 27, 2024

Hughes led all defensemen with 75 assists and 92 points - including 54 at even strength - while appearing in all 82 games this season. He joined Henrik Sedin as the second player in Canucks history to record over 70 helpers in one season while breaking his own franchise benchmark for the most points by a rearguard in a single campaign.

The 24-year-old also ranked first among all blue-liners in goals above replacement (24.9) and wins above replacement (4.1).

Prior to Hughes, a Canucks defenseman had never been named a Norris Trophy finalist.

Josi won the hardware in 2020 and was nominated for a third time after leading all blue-liners with 23 goals and ranking third with 85 points in 82 games. He also tied for the second-most game-winners by a rearguard with five.

Makar was named a finalist for the fourth straight campaign after ending the season with a career-high 90 points and 69 assists in 77 outings. He owned the best point-per-game rate (1.17) among all defensemen.

Erik Karlsson took home the Norris Trophy last season as a member of the San Jose Sharks.

(Analytics source: Evolving-Hockey)

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