Adam Gretz, a veteran hockey analyst, has staked his claim that Rasmus Dahlin will be the 2026‑27 Norris Trophy recipient.
The Case for Dahlin
During the 2025‑26 campaign Dahlin posted a career‑high 74 points, adding 19 goals to his repertoire while anchoring the Buffalo Sabres’ blue line. His blend of offensive output and defensive reliability has positioned him as a leading candidate for the award.
Stiff Competition Awaits
Nevertheless, the Norris race remains crowded. Cale Makar continues to dominate with his dynamic skating and point production, while Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes have each logged multiple 50‑point seasons and earned recent All‑Star nods. The quartet of superstar defensemen ensures that the vote will be closely contested.
What could tip the scales is a combination of team success and durability. If the Sabres break into playoff contention and Dahlin stays healthy, his defensive contributions may resonate more with voters who traditionally favor players from winning clubs.
Should the prediction materialize, the award would not only validate Dahlin’s personal growth but also signal a shift in how the league values modern defensemen who can both shut down opponents and generate offense.