Elite Company: The Great Norris Debate — Werenski vs. Makar

No, this isn't about Team USA or Team Canada in the Olympics — although that dream matchup could happen, and wouldn't that be a sight to witness.

This Werenski versus Makar debate centers around the top prize up for grabs at their position: the Norris trophy.

As defined by the NHL, the James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded to the NHL's top "defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position."

Makar is arguably not only the best player at his position in the world. He's one of the best players in the entire NHL.

A 27-year-old in his seventh season, Makar has been a Norris candidate every year, winning it in 2021-22 and 2024-25. The three-time All-Star could win it again this year.

Then there's the guy who this primary readership audience is focused on: Werenski.

This fan base doesn't have to be reminded of the fact that Werenski has entered into elite territory. As Werenski continues to elevate his personal play and drive the Columbus Blue Jackets bus towards a playoff spot, the rest of the national landscape is beginning to catch up to what those in Columbus already knew about No. 8.

A two-time All-Star, the 10-year pro has been a man on a mission since last season. In 2024-25, Werenski set personal highs, leading the Blue Jackets in points (82) and assists (59), while also scoring a career-best 23 goals, and played his most games (81) since he played 82 games in 2018-19.

This season, through 52 games, he leads the Blue Jackets with 62 points, 20 goals, and 42 assists. He's second in the NHL in average ice time per game at 26:22.

Werenski made history with a 22-game home point streak last season. He nearly outdid himself when he had a 16-game home point streak this season.

He's also among the league leaders in points per game (1.19). Makar is pumping in his scoring production at a very healthy 1.04 points per game mark.

One of the key aspects that could be a deciding factor in winning the Norris this year is whether the Blue Jackets make the playoffs.

Where would the Blue Jackets be without Werenski?

Where would the Colorado Avalanche be without Makar?

Werenski has logged more minutes than Makar and has the inside track on head-to-head stats, whereas you see the effect the Avalanche gets from Makar — and the Blue Jackets with Werenski — when each player is on the ice. 

Colorado is currently standing atop the NHL standings with 83 points and a 37-9-9 mark. Thanks to the Blue Jackets' recent surge under new head coach Rick Bowness, the Blue Jackets are 9th in the East and fourth in the Metropolitan Division.

Columbus probably isn't even in the playoff conversation without Werenski. They're probably not the sterling 10-1-0 they are under Bowness — 11 of 12 wins overall — without Werenski. The Avalanche might not be leading the NHL without Makar, but they're probably a playoff team when you factor in a loaded roster headed by MVP candidates like Nathan MacKinnon, who is second in the NHL with 93 points and is the NHL leader with 40 goals.

The Werenski versus Makar debate also isn’t to suggest this race is solely between the two, as there is a plethora of candidates, each with a compelling case.

NHL Awards Watch
Can Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar hold on to early leads?https://t.co/Hwa9KZNGWr pic.twitter.com/Vs3HDUU69K

— dom (@domluszczyszyn) February 10, 2026

Detroit Red Wings fans might argue the true definition of the award could hone in more on the defensive ability that Moritz Seider possesses, but, typically, the player who's among the scoring leaders in the position will garner the majority of the votes.

For Werenski, it could finally be his time as he continues to enter into the elite company of players at his position. Makar is among the gold standard of those in his position. The bar for which the award is measured in this era.

As is the case for any major award in all sports, there could be several ways to define who is most valuable to one's team. In Makar's case, there's no question about he value he provides the Avalanche. Werenski is unquestionably the best player on the Blue Jackets.

In the end, what will ultimately boost Werenski's case and be the factor for his winning the award is leading the Blue Jackets to a playoff spot while keeping his scoring production at the clip it has been.

Werenski could end the year as the franchise leader for points in a season, eclipsing Artemi Panarin's record of 87 points in 2018-19.