The National Hockey League (NHL) has released the names of the three finalists for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s top defenseman during the regular season, via its official website.
The contenders for the award are Sweden’s Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres, Canada’s Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche, and American Zach Werenski, who plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets. No Russian player has ever secured the Norris Trophy.
Dahlin accumulated 74 points (19 goals plus 55 assists) across 77 games in the last regular season. This marks the first occasion in his professional career that the Swedish defenseman has been named a contender for the Norris Trophy.
Makar, the current holder of the trophy and a two-time recipient (victorious in 2022 and 2025), is featured among the final nominees for the sixth time. The 27-year-old Canadian registered 79 points (20 goals and 59 assists) in 75 contests during the recent regular season campaign.
Werenski has also advanced to the final round for this accolade for the second consecutive year. He finished second in points production among all defensemen during the 2025-26 regular season standings, posting 81 points (22 goals plus 59 assists) over 75 appearances.
About the Author
