Makar could face competition for Norris Trophy

Feb 13, 2026; Milan, Italy; Cale Makar of Canada during the warm up before the match against Switzerland in men's ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThis year’s Norris Trophy race could be a little too close for comfort. There’s little doubt that Colorado Avalanche superstar blueliner Cale Makar is the frontrunner.

But the analytics show that the race could be a little closer than most would like. A February 10 piece in The Athletic looked at the numbers behind Makar’s lead in the Norris race. But it’s not quite as big as Avalanche fans would…