A New Era of Defensive Excellence
Cale Makar’s name now appears at the very top of the EA Sports NHL 27 rating board, sharing the coveted 95 overall score with Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes. The right‑shot defenseman’s ascent reflects a 2025‑26 season in which he logged 20 goals, 59 assists and a career‑high 79 points across 75 games, positioning him third among all NHL defensemen in scoring.
Werenski’s Rise and the Norris Trophy Aftermath
Zach Werenski’s rating jumped from 92 in NHL 26 to 95, marking the biggest change among elite defensemen and earning him the Norris Trophy for the first time in his career. Makar’s second‑place finish behind Werenski underscores the competitive balance that defined the season, as the award’s voting panel recognized both consistency and impact.
Hughes and the Right‑Shot Landscape
Quinn Hughes, who also received a 95 rating, has maintained the same score from the previous edition, illustrating the stability of his contributions despite a injury‑plagued campaign. Meanwhile, other right‑shot blueliners such as Evan Bouchard sit at 91, while Charlie McAvoy, Noah Dobson, Moritz Seider and Adam Fox hover around the 89‑point range.
Left‑Shot Depth and Toews’ Adjustment
Among left‑shot defensemen, Rasmus Dahlin and Miro Heiskanen both earned 93 ratings, placing them just below the elite tier. Josh Morrissey and Lane Hutson round out the top ten at 90, while Devon Toews slipped to 87 after a modest regular‑season output, though his playoff contributions hinted at a potential rebound.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Makar’s history as a Norris Trophy finalist — six of his first seven seasons — highlights a pattern of elite recognition, including two award wins. His 2024‑25 campaign featured 30 goals and 92 points, a season that propelled him to the top of the voting board before Werenski’s breakout year. As the league evolves, the continued excellence of these defensemen suggests that the next several seasons will be defined by a deep pool of talent on the blue line.