Dahlin, Makar, Werenski named finalists for Norris Trophy as NHL's top defenceman

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) carries the puck over the blue line during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

NEW YORK — Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets were named finalists Thursday for the James Norris Memorial Trophy.

The award is presented annually to the NHL defenceman judged to have demonstrated the greatest all-around ability at the position.

Dahlin recorded a career-high 74 points as Buffalo reached the playoffs for the first time since 2011 and captured its first division title since 2010.

Makar finished with 79 points in 75 games and became the first NHL defenceman in 34 years to record three straight 20-goal seasons. This is his sixth straight nomination.

Werenski had 81 points, tied for the league lead among defencemen with 22 goals and helped fuel the Blue Jackets’ late-season 20-3-4 run before Columbus ultimately fell short of the playoffs.

Makar won the Norris last season and is seeking his third career victory after also capturing the award in 2022, while Dahlin is a finalist for the first time and Werenski is up for the award for a second straight year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2026.