Adam Fox beats Cale Maker this time around!

Adam Fox has done it. The New York Ranger has won the Norris Trophy, given to the defenseman “to have demonstrated throughout the season the greatest all-around ability at the position.”

 Victor Hedman of Stanley Cup finalist and defending champ Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado’s Cale Makar were the other finalists. 

And finally, Fox beat out Makar : the Avalanche blue liner had won over Fox, and others, for the Calder as rookie of the year in 2019-20 (Fox finished fourth, behind Makar, Quinn Hughes and Dominik Kubalik).

This might cheer Fox up as the Rangers failed to make the postseason season despite his exemplary performances each night. This season, he finished second by a point to Edmonton Oilers’ Tyson Barrie in points by a defenseman (48-47) and led all NHL defensemen in assists with 42. He averaged 24 minute, 42 seconds in ice time and led the team in blocked shots (102), had a 12-game point streak and a five-assist night. 

Three Rangers defensemen have won the Norris Trophy — Doug Harvey in 1961-62, Harry Howell in 1966-67 and Brian Leetch in 1991-92 and ’96-97.

Fox fits right in with them and will be one to watch in the 2021-22 season.