Dahlin, Makar, Werenski named finalists for 2026 Norris Trophy
Three of the best blueliners in the game are in the running to take home some hardware.
On Thursday, the NHL announced that Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin, the Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar and the Columbus Blue Jackets‘ Zach Werenski have been named the finalists for the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL.
The James Norris Memorial Trophy finalists are in! 🏆 #NHLAwards The trophy is presented annually to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at the position.
This is the sixth year in a row that Makar has been a finalist for the award. He entered the season as the defending Norris Trophy winner, having taken home the honor for the second time in his career last season. This year, he posted 20 goals and 59 assists, with his 79 points placing him third among blueliners in scoring. Along with averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time per game, Makar posted a plus/minus of +32, and was third in the NHL in power-play points among defenseman with 29. He was a key part in helping the Avs win the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time since 2021.
Makar is looking to become the first player since Nicklas Lidstrom in 2008 to win the Norris two years in a row, and the 10th defender to take home the award three times.
Dahlin is coming off the best season of his NHL career, as well as the Sabres’ best performance in a long time. The Swedish rearguard scored a career-high 74 points in 77 games this year, as well as registering a +18 rating while averaging 24:11 of ice time. He led his team with 13 even-strength goals and 32 takeaways. Dahlin’s play led the Sabres to winning the Atlantic Division, the team’s first division title since 2009-10, as well as the team’s first playoff series victory in 19 years.
The Norris isn’t the only trophy Dahlin has a chance to win this year. He’s also up for the Bill Masterton Trophy, which is awarded “to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”
Werenski, a finalist for the second year in a row, sat second in the NHL in defensive scoring, with his 81 points only trailing Edmonton Oilers defender Evan Bouchard. Werenski ended the regular season first in shots on goal (260) by a defenseman, with a 1.08 points per game, placing him second by Bouchard as well. Werenski was also second in the league in average time on ice (26:37).
Werenski and Dahlin are both trying to become the first players from their respective franchises to be named the NHL’s best defender.