Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin Named a Finalist for Norris Trophy

The NHL announced on Thursday the three finalists for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, and Buffalo Sabres’ defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was one of them. He joins the Columbus Blue Jackets’ defenseman Zach Werenski and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar.

Dahlin is now a finalist for two awards, the other being the Bill Masterton Trophy.

Dahlin Has Chance to Make Sabres History

Dahlin now finds himself on the verge of making franchise history and becoming the first Sabres defenseman ever to win the Norris Trophy. Even being named a finalist is significant, as no Buffalo blueliner has reached the top three in voting since Jim Schoenfeld finished third back in the 1979–80 season.

His climb to this point has been steady. Dahlin finished sixth in Norris voting in 2024–25, 14th in 2023–24, and eighth in 2022–23. Each season pushed him closer to the league’s elite, and this year he finally broke through.

This season, Dahlin recorded 19 goals (seventh among defensemen), 55 assists (sixth), and 74 points (sixth). His offensive production alone puts him among the best at his position, but what truly elevates him into Norris territory is how complete his game has become. He’s no longer just a high-end puck mover — he’s evolved into one of the most reliable two-way defensemen in the NHL.

Among the league’s top-six scoring defensemen, Dahlin ranks first in hits, first in five-on-five puck battles won, and third in five-on-five scoring chances against. He controls the game physically, wins the hard areas, and shuts down top competition while still producing at an elite level.

The recognition is starting to match the performance. On a recent Sportsnet panel, the Norris Trophy debate came up, and both Elliotte Friedman and former Norris winner Chris Pronger named Dahlin as their pick. When a Hall of Famer and one of the most-respected insiders in hockey agree, it carries weight.

Dahlin’s impact extended far beyond his individual numbers. He helped lead the Sabres to their first Atlantic Division title since the division realignment and their first division crown of any kind since the 2009–10 season. That success also snapped the franchise’s record 14-season playoff drought and delivered just the third 50-win season in team history, joining the 2005–06 and 2006–07 teams.

This season wasn’t just a breakout. It was a defining chapter in Dahlin’s career and one that may finally earn him the league-wide recognition he’s been building toward for years.

The winner of the Norris Trophy will be announced later this postseason.