Cale Makar’s Avalanche teammates have nice (and funny) messages on Norris

Colorado Avalanche superstar defenseman Cale Makar won the Norris Trophy on Wednesday.

The NHL announced that Makar has been named the league’s best defenseman for the second time in the last four years. And the voting wasn’t even close as Makar received 176 of 191 first-place votes. This was a landslide decision.

The way in which Makar was surprised with the honor, out on a golf course with his friends, was great. However, the nice (and funny) messages he received from long-time teammates Devon Toews, Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog might be even better.

Cale’s biggest fans. pic.twitter.com/BAMpRtaAXl

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 11, 2025

“I’m sure you’d have three or four more (Norris trophies) if I wasn’t anchoring you down,” Makar’s line-mate Devon Toews quips.

Makar and Toews are largely regarded as the best defensive duo in the NHL.

“Caler, congratulations on your Norris, it feels like you have 10,” MacKinnon says with a smile. “Apparently it’s only two, unbelievable.”

MacKinnon goes on to say a bunch of nice things about Makar, and of course he’s in the gym, where he spends most of his time when not at the rink.

“You’re a great person,” Landeskog says. “Proud to call you a friend, proud to be your teammate and get the honor to play with you.”

The Avalanche captain had a bit of a more serious tone, but you could tell all three messages were from the heart. Not only do Toews, MacKinnon and Landeskog respect Makar the hockey player, but they appreciate the man he is as well.

Makar continues to stack his trophy case, now he’s hoping to add another Stanley Cup next season when the Avalanche are back at it. That’s something all these guys are striving to do — and Makar will be a big reason why if it happens.

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