NHL Announces 2025-26 Norris Trophy Finalists: Makar, Werenski and Dahlin
The NHL has officially revealed the three finalists for the 2025-26 Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s best defenseman. Colorado Avalanche standout Cale Makar, Columbus Blue Jackets pillar Zack Werenski, and Buffalo Sabres anchor Rasmus Dahlin have emerged as the top candidates for the honor, the league announced on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The winner will be determined by a vote from members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, with the final announcement scheduled for next month.
Cale Makar: Chasing History
Cale Makar enters the conversation seeking his third career Norris Trophy. This marks the sixth consecutive year Makar has been named a finalist, cementing his status as the premier defenseman of his generation. If Makar wins, he would become the first defenseman to secure the award in back-to-back seasons since Detroit Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom achieved the feat for three straight years between 2006 and 2008.
Makar’s season was defined by efficiency and impact. The Calgary native recorded 20 goals and 79 points across 75 games, finishing the year with a plus-minus of +32. He also averaged 24 minutes and 51 seconds of ice time per game, ranking eighth among all NHL defensemen.
Zack Werenski: The Elite Workhorse
Zack Werenski continues his ascent among the league’s elite, following a season where he finished second in Norris voting behind Makar in 2024-25. Werenski’s 2025-26 campaign was characterized by an immense workload and high offensive production.
Werenski logged 26:37 of average ice time per game, trailing only Quinn Hughes for the highest average among defensemen. His output was equally impressive, tallying 22 goals and 81 points in 75 games. Among defensemen who played at least 20 games, Werenski finished the season with the second-most total points and the second-most points scored at even strength.
Rasmus Dahlin: A Milestone for Buffalo
Rasmus Dahlin has earned his first Norris Trophy nomination in his eight-year career. His inclusion in the top three is a historic moment for the Buffalo Sabres; the only other defenseman in franchise history to be named a finalist was Jim Schoenfeld in 1980, who ultimately finished third.
Dahlin pushed his personal ceiling this season, setting a career-high with 74 points. He also achieved a career-best plus-minus of +13 while averaging 24:11 of ice time per game.
2025-26 Norris Finalists Comparison
| Player | Team | Points | Goals | Avg TOI | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Werenski | Columbus Blue Jackets | 81 | 22 | 26:37 | N/A |
| Cale Makar | Colorado Avalanche | 79 | 20 | 24:51 | +32 |
| Rasmus Dahlin | Buffalo Sabres | 74 | N/A | 24:11 | +13 |
Key Takeaways
- Makar’s Consistency: Cale Makar is seeking his third trophy and has been a finalist for six straight years.
- Heavy Minutes: Zack Werenski was one of the most utilized players in the league, trailing only Quinn Hughes in average time on ice.
- Sabres History: Rasmus Dahlin is the first Sabres defenseman since 1980 to be named a Norris finalist.
As the Professional Hockey Writers Association casts their ballots, the hockey world looks toward next month to see if Makar can secure his third trophy or if Werenski or Dahlin will claim their first.