Makar Chasing Back-to-Back Norris Trophies and This Is His Sixth Straight Finalist Nod

Cale Makar is doing it again. The Colorado Avalanche star has been named a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth consecutive season, and this time he is hunting for his second straight win at the position. Joining him on the ballot are Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Norris goes to the defenseman who shows "the greatest all-round ability in the position," and voters from the Professional Hockey Writers Association will make the call.

Makar's Numbers Are Still Elite, Even When They Dip

Here is the thing about Makar: even when his output takes a step back, it is still fifth-best in his own career. The 27-year-old put up 79 points in 75 games this season, averaging 1.05 points per game. That is a small slide from his usual standard, but it ranks as his fifth-highest per-game average ever. His plus-32 rating was the second-best of his regular season career. Makar suited up in every situation for the Avalanche, eating 4:11 on the power play and standing his ground with 1:57 per game shorthanded. When Makar was on the ice at 5-on-5, Colorado scored 64% of the goals. In seven seasons, he has already won the Norris three times.

Dahlin Breaks Drought and Sets Records

Rasmus Dahlin's season is about more than individual accolades. The Buffalo captain was a driving force behind the Sabres ending the longest playoff drought in NHL history, with the team last making the cut in 2011. Dahlin posted a career-high 74 points and set a franchise record for defensemen with 52 even-strength points. That 74-point total ranks third all-time for Sabres defensemen. He averaged 24:11 on the ice per game, added 22 power-play points, and brought a physical presence on his own end. This is his first Norris finalist nod after finishing sixth in the voting last season. He was also nominated for the Masterton Trophy for "perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."

Werenski's Assist Barrage Leads Columbus

Zach Werenski led the Blue Jackets in scoring with 81 points, which ranks second in the entire league for defensemen. The 28-year-old racked up a team-high 59 assists and scored 18 of his 22 goals at even strength, the best mark in the NHL. Werenski was also second in the league in average scoring among defensemen.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.