Norris Trophy Rankings: Harley steps up for Stars

Welcome to the fifth edition of theScore's 2024-25 Norris Trophy Rankings. We publish new rankings once a month throughout the campaign.

xGF% = five-on-five expected goals for percentage

5. Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres

Previous: Unranked

Another tremendous season from Dahlin is flying under the radar because of the Sabres' ineptitude. He's producing at a near point-per-game clip despite having little help around him, and his defensive metrics are stellar. If Dahlin hadn't missed eight games earlier in the season, he'd likely be solidified at No. 4 on this list.

At just 24 years old, Dahlin has plenty of runway - plus the ability - to win a Norris down the line. But team success would certainly go a long way to help him get there. On the bright side, Dahlin remains committed to being part of the solution in Buffalo.

4. Thomas Harley, Stars

Previous: Unranked

It turns out the Stars have two No. 1-caliber defensemen. Harley has greatly elevated his game since Miro Heiskanen went down with a knee injury, proving he's more than capable of being the alpha. In 14 games without Heiskanen, Harley has posted five goals and 11 assists while averaging 25:18 per contest.

Harley shined as a late addition to Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. It's possible that performing on the big stage served as a springboard to stardom. The 23-year-old is coming into his own at the perfect time for the Stars.

3. Quinn Hughes, Canucks

Previous: 1

The best ability is availability, and Hughes has simply been unavailable lately. On a per-game basis, he's arguably been the best defenseman in the league, but injuries have limited him to four appearances since the start of February. He still deserves to be on this list, just no longer in the top spot.

2. Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets

Previous: 3

Werenski's Norris case continues to grow the longer the Blue Jackets stay in the playoff hunt. If Columbus earns a postseason berth after entering the campaign as one of the league's biggest underdogs, it may be impossible to deny Werenski the honor.

The 27-year-old leads all NHL defensemen in time on ice, even-strength points, and shots on goal. He also leads his team in points - one of two blue-liners in the league doing so. Although highly impressive, he still comes up a hair short of No. 1 on our list.

1. Cale Makar, Avalanche

Previous: 2

Makar has taken his game to another level of late, racking up a staggering 17 points in 11 games since the last edition of these rankings. Combine that hot streak with superior defensive play this season and Makar is deserving of the top spot on our list.

His five-on-five expected goals against per 60 minutes of 2.29 is a notch better than Werenski's 2.77 this season. Makar has also produced 1.0 defensive goals above replacement, while Werenski owns a minus-0.5 mark.

Werenski will likely receive more Hart Trophy votes than Makar since MVP is rooted in value provided to the team. But for the Norris Trophy, which is simply given to the best all-around defenseman, Makar holds a slight edge.

Keep an eye on:

• Josh Morrissey
• Victor Hedman
• MacKenzie Weegar
• Jake Sanderson
• Jackson LaCombe

(Analytics source: Evolving-Hockey)