Makar, Dahlin, and Werenski Are the Three Best Defensemen in Hockey Right Now

The NHL just named its Norris Trophy finalists, and there should be zero surprises here. Cale Makar, Rasmus Dahlin, and Zach Werenski are your three candidates for the league's top defenseman award, and honestly? That's the right call.

These three have been operating at a different level all season long, and the league has officially recognized it. When you're in the conversation with Makar and Dahlin, you're in elite company. This is the hardware that separates the generational talents from the really good ones.

The Norris Trophy Finalists Are Set

Makar, Dahlin, and Werenski have punched their tickets to what could be one of the most prestigious individual award races of the year. The Norris Trophy has been given out since 1954, and winning it puts you in a conversation with the absolute best defensemen to ever play the game. These three are making their cases right now, and the voting will come down to who had the most dominant overall season.

What This Means for the Playoffs

While we're in the thick of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and teams are battling it out on the ice, these award races are still capturing attention. The Norris voting happens in real time, and performances in the postseason can shift narratives. Every game these finalists play matters now on both fronts: their teams' hopes of hoisting the Cup and their individual legacies.

The 2026 playoffs are moving fast, with second-round matchups already underway. Games are being played every night, and the intensity is cranked up to another level. For Makar, Dahlin, and Werenski, this is the ultimate stage to cement their seasons.

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