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Norris Trophy

The Norris Trophy, officially the James Norris Memorial Trophy, is an annual National Hockey League award presented to the league’s top defenseman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Norris Trophy, officially the James Norris Memorial Trophy, is an annual National Hockey League award presented to the league’s top defenseman. It is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association at the end of the regular season and presented at the NHL Awards after the playoffs. The trophy was first awarded in the 1953-54 season and is named in memory of James E. Norris, former owner-president of the Detroit Red Wings.

History

The award was created in memory of James E. Norris, the former owner-president of the Detroit Red Wings. It was first awarded in the 1953-54 season and became one of the NHL’s major individual honours. The trophy was presented to the NHL in 1953 by the children of James E. Norris in his memory.

Selection process

The winner is chosen by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Voters rank the top five candidates after the regular season, and the trophy is presented after the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Each voter ranks five candidates on a points system to determine the winner.

Notable winners

Bobby Orr holds the record with eight Norris Trophy wins in a row from 1968 to 1975. Doug Harvey and Nicklas Lidstrom each won the award seven times, and Ray Bourque won it five times. Red Kelly of the Detroit Red Wings was the first winner.

Team records

The Boston Bruins lead all teams with 14 Norris Trophy winners, followed by the Montreal Canadiens with 12. These totals reflect the trophy’s long history and the prominence of strong defensemen from those franchises.

Key facts

  • The Norris Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL's top defenseman.
  • Bobby Orr holds the record with eight wins.
  • First awarded in 1953-54, the trophy honours James E. Norris.
  • Boston Bruins have the most winners (14), followed by Montreal Canadiens (12).
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Canadian context

The trophy is a major NHL honour closely followed by Canadian hockey fans, and several Canadian teams and players have figured prominently in its history, including the Montreal Canadiens and winners such as Bobby Orr and Nicklas Lidstrom's long rivalry with Canadian hockey traditions.[1][4]

Frequently asked questions

What is the Norris Trophy?
The Norris Trophy is the NHL award given each year to the league’s top defenseman.
Who decides the winner?
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association vote after the regular season.
When was it first awarded?
It was first awarded in the 1953-54 NHL season.
Who was the first winner?
Red Kelly of the Detroit Red Wings won the first Norris Trophy.
Who has won it the most times?
Bobby Orr holds the record with eight wins.
Who was the 2026 winner?
Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets won the 2026 Norris Trophy.

References

  1. NHL — https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-james-norris-memorial-trophy-winners-complete-list-287778852
    Supports: Official description, voting process, first winner, record winners, team totals, and 2026 winner list.
  2. NHL — https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/zach-werenski-wins-2026-james-norris-trophy-blue-jackets
    Supports: 2026 winner, award description, and selection process.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/sports/Norris-Trophy
    Supports: Identifies the Norris Trophy as the NHL award for outstanding defenseman.
  4. Hockey Hall of Fame — https://www.hhof.com/thecollection/jamesnorrismemorialtrophy.html
    Supports: History, naming, ownership background, and multiple-winner records.