Norris Trophy Finalists: Makar, Dahlin, Werenski

The NHL announced Colorado defenseman Cale Makar, Buffalo captain Rasmus Dahlin, and Columbus blueliner Zach Werenski as the three finalists for the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability.

Rasmus Dahlin, Cale Makar, and Zach Werenski finalists for Norris Trophy as NHL’s best defensemanCale Makar Voted Norris Trophy FinalistDahlin, Makar, Werenski voted Norris Trophy finalistsHeavyDahlin, Makar, Werenski named finalists for Norris TrophyDahlin, Makar, Werenski named finalists for 2026 Norris Trophy

Makar logged 20 goals, 59 assists (79 points), +32 rating and 24:51 ice time, helping Colorado win the Presidents’ Trophy and top penalty kill. Dahlin posted 19 goals, 55 assists (74 points), +18 rating and 24:11 ice time, leading Buffalo to an Atlantic Division title and its first playoff berth since 2011. Werenski recorded 22 goals, 59 assists (81 points), +7 rating and 26:37 ice time, topping the league in shots (260) and finishing second among defensemen despite Columbus missing the playoffs.

Columbus Dispatch

Makar could become the first repeat winner since Lidström and join the three-time club. Dahlin would be Buffalo’s first Norris winner, and Werenski could be the first for Columbus, highlighting the league’s demand for two-way blueliners.

Dahlin, Makar, Werenski named finalists for 2026 Norris Trophy

NHL release stressed the trophy’s “greatest all-round ability” criterion. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said a “No. 1 guy” who contributes on power play, penalty kill and in all situations embodies the Norris. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff called Dahlin “a huge part of our team and the reason we got to where we got to.” Professional Hockey Writers Association confirmed ballots are cast after the regular season and before the playoffs.

Rasmus Dahlin named finalist for Norris Trophy

Analysts and the Oilers noted the omission of Evan Bouchard, who led all defensemen with 95 points and 21 goals, arguing that scoring leaders are usually finalists. Others said team success—Colorado’s Presidents’ Trophy and Buffalo’s division title—should outweigh individual totals, questioning Werenski’s candidacy after Columbus missed the playoffs.

Heavy

• “I asked him today how many he's been nominated for and he didn't even know," Avalanche forward Logan O'Connor said of Makar.” — Logan O'Connor, Avalanche forward

Dahlin, Makar, Werenski named Norris Trophy finalists

• “When you have a No. 1 guy that is on power play, penalty kill, eats all the biggest minutes when you're trailing, when you're leading, and you're playing in all those situations, that's, to me, what a No. 1 guy is and what the Norris is all about,” — Jared Bednar, Avalanche coach

Dahlin, Makar, Werenski named Norris Trophy finalists

• “I love the way he defends. Competes so hard. He gets under the skin of the other team’s best player. And he’s a talent offensively and he drives their offense.” — Chris Pronger, former Norris winner, on Dahlin

Rasmus Dahlin named finalist for Norris Trophy

The finalists will be reviewed at the NHL Honors ceremony in early June, where the winner will be announced. The outcome will shape future contracts and each player’s legacy as a top blueliner.

Rasmus Dahlin, Cale Makar, and Zach Werenski finalists for Norris Trophy as NHL’s best defenseman