Defensemen accumulating the most points typically secure the Norris Trophy in the NHL. Last season that was Cale Makar, winning for his second time in his career. Makar is the only player for the Colorado Avalanche to win the award, let alone do it twice. But what if I were to tell you that Makar may not be in the conversation to win the Norris this season? That could be a real possibility this season.

The leaderboard

At the Olympic Break, Makar sits fourth in overall points for a defenseman in the league. Evan Bouchard (63 points), Zach Werenski (62 points), and Lane Hutson (58 points) all sit ahead of Makar’s 57 points. Werenski is the only player ahead of him that averages more ice time per game, so the other two are being more efficient in their scoring. Makar leads the top four with four game-winning goals so far and is also plus 28.

Reason he could lose out

The 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy winner has been getting fewer shots on net this season. Last season, Makar had just over 65 percent of his shots hit the net, compared to 59 percent this year. Makar may end the season with far fewer goals this year as well. Makar is scoring about .27 goals per game and .76 assists per game, at this rate it would put Makar eight points short of his total from last season. This could be because he is receiving only 41.3 percent of the possible ice time compared to 42.4. That one percent can make an enormous difference.

What could lock Makar in?

Makar has been part of the number one power-play unit all season. In 55 games, he has only one goal and 16 assists on the man advantage. Last season, 11 goals and 22 assists came from the power play. If the Avalanche can figure out the power play, it could slingshot Makar up the points rankings for defensemen and into the conversation. Makar is not making nearly as many high-danger shot attempts, and this could be because the power play has given up so many shorthanded goals.

There is one glaring issue that could help Makar jump ahead offensively. The power play is having a snowball effect and could cost Makar the Norris in the long run.