Cale Makar, Rasmus Dahlin and Zach Werenski named Norris Trophy finalists

Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar, Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and Columbus Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski have been named finalists for the NHL’s Norris Trophy.

The prestigious annual award is presented to the player who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability at the defenceman position.

Makar is seeking his second consecutive win and the third overall of his spectacular seven-year professional career.

The 27-year-old has remarkably been nominated as a finalist for the accolade in six successive seasons.

Dahlin and Werenski provide stiff competition

Dahlin earns his first nomination after serving as the driving force behind Buffalo ending the longest playoff drought in NHL history.

The Swedish blueliner amassed a career-high 74 points to help guide his franchise to their first post-season appearance since 2011.

Meanwhile, Werenski led his entire team in scoring with an impressive 81 points across the campaign.

The American finished second in last year’s voting but overtook the Avalanche star in late-season projections after leading all defensive players with 18 even-strength goals.

High-scoring snubs miss out

Edmonton Oilers standout Evan Bouchard failed to make the final three despite leading all NHL defencemen with 95 points in 82 games.

Former winner Quinn Hughes was also excluded from the final ballot following his mid-season trade to the Minnesota Wild.

The ultimate winner will be determined by a vote from the Professional Hockey Writers Association.