The Norris Trophy is annually awarded "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position," and is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, who submit ballots for the trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators were also named as finalists.
"They push me so hard all year just to be the player that I've developed into all season," Makar said. "A lot of credit goes to them. It's awesome when you have great competition like that."
Makar became the first defenseman in Colorado Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history to win the Norris Trophy and became the fifth defenseman in NHL history to win the Norris Trophy within his first three regular seasons, following Adam Fox, Erik Karlsson, Denis Potvin and Bobby Orr (2x).