Makar, Dahlin, and Werenski Are Finalists for the Norris Trophy and the Race Just Got Real

The NHL just dropped the three defensemen who are going to battle it out for the Norris Trophy, and it's a lineup that tells you exactly who's been the most dominant blue liner this season. Cale Makar, Rasmus Dahlin, and Zach Werenski made the cut as finalists, and honestly, all three of them have had the kind of year that would make any team's defense unit jealous.

The Three Finalists

These are your Norris Trophy finalists for 2026. Makar, Dahlin, and Werenski each brought something different to the table this season, but they all earned their spot on this short list through elite play on both ends of the ice. This is the award that separates the truly great defensemen from the rest of the league, and these three clearly separated themselves.

What This Means Right Now

With the playoffs in full swing and teams making their second-round pushes, the Norris race adds another layer to what's already shaping up to be an incredible postseason. While the Stanley Cup Playoffs are dominating the headlines, don't sleep on these individual honors. The winner of this award is going to be remembered as one of the best defensive talents in the game this year, and that's the kind of legacy that sticks around forever.

One of these three is going to lift that Norris Trophy, and the competition between them is as tight as it gets. Keep your eye on how each of them performs as their teams push deeper into the playoffs. That's where legacies are truly made.

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