Full Breakdown
Rasmus Dahlin, Cale Makar and Zach Werenski Named Finalists for the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy
5/8/2026, 11:12:01 PM
Finalists Announced for the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy
The Professional Hockey Writers Association named Colorado’s Cale Makar, Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin and Columbus’s Zach Werenski as the three finalists for the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy.
Norris Trophy Overview
First awarded in 1953, the Norris Trophy honors the defenseman with the greatest all-round ability; past winners include Bobby Orr and Nicklas Lidström, and the honor influences contracts and Hall-of-Fame consideration.
Finalist Profiles & Season Stats
Makar posted 20 goals, 59 assists and 79 points in 75 games, a +32 rating, helping Colorado win the Presidents’ Trophy and earning his sixth straight Norris finalist nod. Dahlin recorded 19 goals, 55 assists and 74 points in 77 games, +18 rating, set a franchise record with 52 even-strength points and guided Buffalo to the Atlantic Division title and its first playoff berth since 2010-11. Werenski tallied 22 goals, 59 assists and 81 points in 75 games, +7 rating, led all blueliners in shots (260) and tied for the league lead in even-strength goals, though Columbus missed the playoffs.
Official Statements
The NHL said the Professional Hockey Writers Association submitted ballots after the regular season and named Makar, Dahlin and Werenski as the top three vote-getters. Colorado praised Makar’s three-straight 20-goal seasons; Buffalo highlighted Dahlin’s two-way impact; Columbus noted Werenski’s shot volume and scoring consistency.
Criticism of Selection Trends
Analysts argue the Norris now favors offensive stats, noting Evan Bouchard’s league-leading 95 points earned no finalist spot, and claim an unwritten bias penalizes players from non-playoff teams like Werenski.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on whether raw point totals or overall two-way play should determine finalists; Bouchard’s omission highlights this gap, and voting totals remain undisclosed.
What’s Next
The winner will be announced at the early-June NHL Awards ceremony.
Verbatim Quotes
> “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 NHL Defenseman
> “… For Rasmus to get drafted here, develop here, to want to stay here, to finally get to feel what it’s like to be in the playoffs as a Buffalo Sabre, there’d be no greater wish for me.” — Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres Head Coach
> “I don't think I'm ever satisfied, I wanna get better every day. When you have that, success kind of comes to you.” — Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres Captain
> “You gotta make sure you bring your best even though you're not feeling great that day.” — Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres Captain
