The NHL has unveiled the three finalists for the 2026 James Norris Memorial Trophy, honoring the top defenseman of the 2025-26 regular season.[1][2] Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, and Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres represent a blend of offensive firepower, defensive reliability, and two-way dominance. Voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, the winner embodies all-around excellence from the blue line.
This trio stands out in a season filled with standout blueliners, but their cases differ in impact on team success and individual stats. With Werenski emerging as the betting favorite at -270 odds, the race feels tighter than ever.[3]
Zach Werenski: The front-runner for Columbus
Zach Werenski has carried the Blue Jackets’ defense on his back this season, posting 22 goals and 81 points in the regular campaign. He led Columbus in scoring by a wide margin of 14 points and ranked second league-wide among defensemen in points, trailing only Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard. His 18 even-strength goals tied for first among blueliners, showcasing his scoring touch at five-on-five.
Beyond offense, Werenski logged the second-most ice time per game at 26:37, a testament to his reliability. He finished second in Norris voting last year behind Makar, but this season’s near-replication of those numbers positions him strongly. Recently, the Blue Jackets honored Werenski for his Olympic gold, highlighting his broader impact here.
Werenski’s production cooled late, but his overall consistency shines. He topped NHL.com’s Trophy Tracker as the favorite earlier this spring.[4] For a rebuilding Columbus squad, his leadership from the back end has been invaluable.
- Key stats: 22 goals (tied for 3rd among D), 81 points (2nd), 26:37 TOI/game (2nd)
- Team impact: Led CBJ scoring despite being a defenseman
- Norris history: 2nd place in 2025
Experts see him overtaking past favorites due to workload and output. As one analyst noted on NHL Network, “Werenski’s been the Norris front-runner for months.”[5]
His case strengthens with advanced metrics placing him high in goals above replacement.
Cale Makar: Elite but expected less?
Cale Makar remains a perennial contender, but this season’s 20 goals and 79 points in 75 games fell short of his prior peaks. He previously hit 30 goals and 92 points while winning his second Norris. Still, Makar posted the third-best goals-for differential at plus-40 and led Colorado with 118 blocked shots.
At 27, Makar is a finalist for the sixth time in seven seasons, chasing a third win. His Avalanche recently dealt with an upper-body injury sidelining him briefly as covered here. Despite the dip, his playmaking and defensive reads keep him elite.
Makar’s on-ice metrics highlight two-way prowess, though public betting favors him less now. He anchors Colorado’s top power play and penalty kill.
- Key stats: 79 points in 75 GP, +40 goals-for/against (3rd), 118 blocked shots (team lead)
- Norris history: 2 wins, 6th finalist nod
- Team role: Drives Avalanche offense
While impressive, expectations were sky-high after last year’s dominance. Makar’s resilience amid injuries bolsters his bid.
Rasmus Dahlin: Buffalo’s breakout star
Rasmus Dahlin delivered a career-best 19 goals and 55 assists for 74 points in 77 games, including a Sabres record 52 even-strength points. The 26-year-old captain fueled Buffalo’s end to a 14-year playoff drought, excelling across zones. This marks his first Norris finalist nod; Buffalo has never had a winner.
Dahlin’s all-situations impact is evident in his puck-moving ability and defensive growth. He ranked sixth among defensemen in points.
- Key stats: 74 points (6th among D), 52 even-strength points (Sabres record), 19 goals
- Team impact: Key to playoffs return
- Norris history: First finalist appearance
His versatility makes him a dark horse, though odds trail the leaders. As NHL.com detailed, Dahlin’s efforts were pivotal.[2]
Dahlin’s rise signals Buffalo’s resurgence.
The Norris winner, announced soon, could go to Werenski for his Herculean efforts or Makar for pedigree. Regardless, these finalists elevate the position’s prestige. Watch the voting results for what it means heading into playoffs—expect the victor to shine in postseason battles. Official NHL announcement.[1] Blue Jackets’ perspective.[6]
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.