Defensemen Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres, Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche have been nominated for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top defenseman. Dahlin achieved a career-high 74 points and helped the Sabres end a playoff drought dating back to 2011, while also dealing with his fiancée's recovery from a heart transplant. Makar is a finalist for the sixth consecutive season, recording 79 points in 75 games and aiming to repeat his Norris win from last year. Werenski posted 81 points, ranking second in average ice time at 26:37, and was the runner-up for the award in the previous season.