NHL Network named Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar ahead of Quinn Hughes for the best defenseman in the league. Last season, the Vancouver Canucks captain battled through injuries and missed significant time. On the other hand, Makar, who is on a six-year, $54 million contract, won his second James Norris Memorial Trophy. He received 176 of 191 first-place votes.
On the “Sekeres and Price” podcast, NHL analyst Matthew Sekeres broke down why Hughes trails Makar in the rankings. Sekeres said:
“Quinn Hughes comes in as number 2 after Cale Makar. I don’t think that’s any surprise after Hughes missed some time last season. Played through some injuries, not to mention Makar has another Norris Trophy win.”
NHL Network has named Quinn Hughes the 2nd best defenceman in the league, behind Cale Makar. Will Quinn be able to win back the Norris trophy this year?@mattsekeres | @justBlakePrice
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— Sekeres and Price (@sekeresandprice) August 18, 2025
Hughes vs Makar: Who was better in 2024-25 season?
Though Hughes played just 68 games, he managed 76 points, including 16 goals and 60 assists. Meanwhile, Makar produced a career-best 92 points, including 30 goals. In the process, he became just the ninth defenseman in league history to hit the 30-goal mark.
However, the real difference could be observed in the (+/-) ratings of the two stars. Makar with a +28 rating is better than Hughes’ +2.
Makar clearly had the more dominant season. He led all NHL defensemen in goals, assists, points, and plus-minus. Meanwhile, Hughes, who won his sixth consecutive Babe Pratt Trophy (awarded to Canucks’ best defenseman), was excellent, but his limited appearance didn’t help his case for the best defenseman honor.
It remains to be seen who will have a better season in the next campaign.
