Column
*Title: The Finalists for the Norris Trophy: A Soap Opera of Defensemen’s Glory and Heartbreak
#### Introduction
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for another round of the greatest front-office soap opera in all sports. We have three names on the line as we approach the climax: Cale Makar, Rasmus Dahlin, and Zach Werenski. These men represent not just hockey, but the very heart of our sport’s drama. Who will claim this coveted award? Let’s dive deep into their careers to find out.
#### Cale Makar – The Unstoppable Forward
Makar is back, baby! This kid from Colorado has been a mainstay in my column since the early days when we were all wondering if he would ever actually win that elusive Norris Trophy. But this year? This year, he’s practically had it sewn up. He’s on pace for his third straight Norris, which would be nothing short of legendary in hockey terms.
The stats speak for themselves: 79 points in 75 games with a ridiculous plus-32 rating and a 1.05 points per game average that is fifth-best in his career. The Avalanche, under the tutelage of Joe Sakic, have been as dominant this season as they’ve ever been. Makar was on ice for 64% of the Avalanche’s goals at 5-on-5 — he is the engine driving Colorado’s offense.
And yet… Makar’s average points per game (1.05) is a tick down from his career best and last year, where he averaged 1.23. But don’t let that fool you; it still means he’s one of the most productive defensemen in history. He’s been playing in all situations, but remember when we said he was going to be a bust? Remember how I said he’d never make the Norris again after his sophomore slump last year?
#### Rasmus Dahlin – The Captain’s Crusade
Dahlin is the captain of the Buffalo Sabres and they’re finally seeing some results. After years of frustration, this team has been able to put together a winning season for the first time in over a decade. And Dahlin? He was a driving force behind it all.
He had his career-high 74 points, setting franchise records, especially with that 52 even-strength point mark. He’s not just a scoring machine; he’s a captain and a leader who has given this Sabres team the confidence to believe in themselves. His average ice time (24:11) was also the highest ever for Buffalo defensmen.
But here’s where it gets interesting — Dahlin is actually a first-timer as a Norris finalist! Last year, he finished sixth and had to watch Makar and Werenski walk away with their trophies. He’s not just in this race; he’s finally getting his moment to shine!
#### Zach Werenski – The King of Columbus
Werenski has been one of the most talked-about defensemen for a long time now, but this year? This year, he’s absolutely dominating. He led the Blue Jackets in scoring with 81 points (second overall), including a team-high 59 assists and 22 goals at even strength.
His average ice time is an astounding 26:37 per game — second only to Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, who happens to be a fellow Norris Trophy finalist. Werenski was on ice for 108% of the Blue Jackets’ goals (yes, he really did it). He plays on both ends; power play and short-handed, he’s been everywhere.
And let’s not forget, Werenski finished second in the voting last year! This is his first time being a finalist this year — he was a third-place finisher behind Makar. And if that’s not enough, he’s also leading the league with 95 points as of right now!
#### The Final Showdown
We’re at a crossroads here. It’s Makar or Dahlin in the East? Werenski in the West? Makar has been on this stage before; he knows how it feels to walk away with the trophy. Dahlin, on the other hand, is finally getting his chance after years of waiting.
Werenski’s numbers are absurd — he’s not just scoring but creating points left and right. But Makar still has that edge when you consider his overall game. He plays in all situations, contributes to the power play, and has a plus-32 rating which is one of the best in the league.
This isn’t just about hockey; it’s about who gets their moment on the big stage. Dahlin’s journey from captaincy to Norris finalist is something that should be celebrated. Werenski’s scoring prowess might be harder to match, but he has a different kind of impact that can’t be ignored.
And then there are those pesky stats — Makar has a 1.05 points per game average, Dahlin has a career high 74 points, and Werenski is second in the league with 95 points! It’s not just about who’s scoring more; it’s about how they’re scoring.
So here we are, three men vying for one trophy, each representing different stories within the world of hockey. But which will win out? Which defensemen will be crowned the greatest all-round ability in their position?
#### Conclusion
This is a classic soap opera moment: Makar vs Dahlin (who’s making his first time as finalist) and Werenski (whose scoring prowess can’t be denied). It’s a testament to the fact that hockey, like any great sport, has its own drama. We’ll see who will come out on top — but one thing is for sure: whoever wins, they’ve certainly had their moment.
#### Past Takes
Remember when I said last week about Makar being overrated? Remember how I said Dahlin would never make the Norris? Remember Werenski’s numbers in the past season? But now… here we are.
No one can deny that these men have shown us what they’re capable of this year, and that’s why they’re all finalists. It’s a testament to their abilities — and to our love for hockey as a sport.
#### Final Call
This isn’t just about the Norris; it’s about who gets their moment on top. It’s about redemption arcs (like Dahlin), and about breaking down barriers (Werenski). It’s time to decide: Which defensemen will be crowned the greatest of 2023-24?
#### Conclusion
So, who do you think should win? Let me know in the comments below! And remember, this isn’t just hockey; it’s a soap opera.
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Tweet
@espn @nhl @RasmusDahlin @ZachWerenski @CaleMakar The final showdown is here. Who will take home the Norris Trophy? #HockeySoapOpera #NHLFinals
