NHL Names Makar, Dahlin, Werenski Norris Finalists

The NHL named Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski as finalists for the James Norris Memorial Trophy on Thursday, recognizing the top defenseman for the 2025-26 regular season.

The award, voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, honors the player who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at the position. A winner will be announced at a later date during the playoffs.

Makar, 27, earned his sixth consecutive nomination after winning the trophy twice previously, in the 2021-22 and 2024-25 seasons. He recorded 79 points with 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games, along with a plus-32 rating. Makar became the first NHL defenseman in 34 years to post three straight 20-goal seasons. He also led Colorado in blocked shots with 118 and posted the third-best goals-for differential among defensemen at plus-40.

Dahlin, 26, secured his first finalist berth with a career-high 74 points, including 19 goals and 55 assists, in 77 games and a plus-18 rating. His performance helped Buffalo end a 14-year playoff drought, its first postseason appearance since 2010-11 and first division...