Cale Makar is in the running for his third Norris Trophy win. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zack Werenski, and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin are the finalists for this year’s Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defenseman, the NHL announced on Thursday.
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association vote for the winner of the Norris Trophy, which will be announced next month.
Makar is seeking his third Norris Trophy and would be the first defenseman to win the honor in consecutive seasons since Detroit Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom won it for three straight years from 2006 to 2008. This is also Makar’s sixth straight year being named as a Norris finalist. The Calgary native scored 20 goals and 79 points in 75 games with the Avalanche this season, finishing with a plus-minus of plus-32. Makar also averaged 24 minutes, 51 seconds, time on ice per game, eighth-best among NHL defensemen.
Werenski was a first-time finalist last year, finishing second in voting behind Makar. This season, Werenski only trailed Quinn Hughes in average time on ice per game (26:37) while scoring 22 goals and 81 points in 75 games. Werenski finished the season with the second-most points and second-most points at even strength of any defenseman who played at least 20 games.
Dahlin is a finalist for the first time in his eight-year career. The only other Sabres defenseman to be named a Norris finalist was Jim Schoenfeld, in 1980, who finished third in voting behind the winner, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Larry Robinson and Toronto Maple Leafs runner-up Borje Salming. Dahlin set a career-high in points this season (74) while averaging 24:11 per game and was a career-best plus-13.
May 7, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle