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The NHL’s announcement of the 2025-26 Norris Trophy finalists immediately sparked backlash across the hockey world. Fans are questioning how several elite defensemen were left off the final ballot.
The league confirmed on May 7 that Rasmus Dahlin, Cale Makar, and Zach Werenski were the three finalists for the award given annually to the NHL’s top defenseman.
While all three produced elite seasons, much of the reaction centered around the omission of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard and Montreal Canadiens‘ youngster Lane Hutson.
“Bouch robbed ,” one fan posted shortly after the announcement.
One wrote, “Haha…Dahlin over Quinn Hughes.”
Another criticized the voting process more directly. He wrote, “The honour of winning an NHL award is really starting to lose its shine if you ask me. Rather than nominate on merit, it’s a popularity contest.”
MORE: Avalanche proving why selfless hockey wins amid 2-0 lead over Wild
The frustration reflects how crowded this year’s Norris race became. Bouchard led all NHL defensemen with 95 points, while Hutson posted 78 points and helped drive Montreal’s transition game throughout the season.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) skates in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
Bouchard’s exclusion created the strongest reaction because of how dominant his offensive season was. The Oilers defenseman finished first among blueliners in points while also playing heavy special-teams minutes.
Critics have long questioned Bouchard’s defensive reliability, but supporters pushed back hard after the finalists were announced.
“To all the ‘Bouch doesn’t play defence’ commenters — it’s a tired and old narrative,” one fan wrote. “Bouchard was in the 75th percentile of defensive impacts this year. Played a ton of PK.”
Another fan said, “No Bouchard, just proves the voters don’t watch West games.”
A fan claimed, “Rigged, not even a sniff for Edmonton Oilers Dman and NHL point leader for defenceman Evan Bouchard.”
That argument carries weight. Bouchard was not simply an offensive specialist this season. He became Edmonton’s primary puck-moving defenseman, quarterbacked one of the league’s best power plays, and handled difficult minutes at even strength.
MORE: Oilers need Penguins-style support system for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl
Still, the Oilers’ first-round playoff collapse against Anaheim likely hurt perception around his season. Fair or not, Norris voting often reflects team success and defensive reputation as much as pure production.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The finalists themselves remain difficult to argue against.
Makar (79 points) continued to establish himself as the NHL’s premier all-around defenseman, anchoring Colorado’s Presidents’ Trophy-winning roster while contributing heavily at both ends of the ice. Werenski carried Columbus offensively with 81 points and massive ice time despite the Blue Jackets missing the playoffs again.
Dahlin’s inclusion (74 points) may have surprised some fans, but his impact on Buffalo’s resurgence was undeniable. He led the Sabres to their first division title since 2010 (they also ended their 14 season playoff drought) and controlled play consistently in transition and offensive-zone possession.
Canadiens’ young blueliner Lane Hutson’s omission also drew anger online.
“Hutson played on his bad side half the season,” one fan wrote. “HOW IN THE [expletive] IS LANE HUTSON NOT EVEN A FINALIST?”
MORE: Maple Leafs could solve Mitch Marner departure with Gavin McKenna at No. 1
This year’s backlash says more about the depth of elite defense talent than flawed finalists. The Norris Trophy race has shifted beyond traditional shutdown metrics. Voters now balance offense, puck possession, transition value, and team context more heavily than ever.
So, every omission feels controversial.
Continue reading...
The league confirmed on May 7 that Rasmus Dahlin, Cale Makar, and Zach Werenski were the three finalists for the award given annually to the NHL’s top defenseman.
While all three produced elite seasons, much of the reaction centered around the omission of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard and Montreal Canadiens‘ youngster Lane Hutson.
“Bouch robbed ,” one fan posted shortly after the announcement.
One wrote, “Haha…Dahlin over Quinn Hughes.”
Another criticized the voting process more directly. He wrote, “The honour of winning an NHL award is really starting to lose its shine if you ask me. Rather than nominate on merit, it’s a popularity contest.”
MORE: Avalanche proving why selfless hockey wins amid 2-0 lead over Wild
The frustration reflects how crowded this year’s Norris race became. Bouchard led all NHL defensemen with 95 points, while Hutson posted 78 points and helped drive Montreal’s transition game throughout the season.
Bouchard’s omission became the biggest debate
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Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) skates in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
Bouchard’s exclusion created the strongest reaction because of how dominant his offensive season was. The Oilers defenseman finished first among blueliners in points while also playing heavy special-teams minutes.
Critics have long questioned Bouchard’s defensive reliability, but supporters pushed back hard after the finalists were announced.
“To all the ‘Bouch doesn’t play defence’ commenters — it’s a tired and old narrative,” one fan wrote. “Bouchard was in the 75th percentile of defensive impacts this year. Played a ton of PK.”
Another fan said, “No Bouchard, just proves the voters don’t watch West games.”
A fan claimed, “Rigged, not even a sniff for Edmonton Oilers Dman and NHL point leader for defenceman Evan Bouchard.”
That argument carries weight. Bouchard was not simply an offensive specialist this season. He became Edmonton’s primary puck-moving defenseman, quarterbacked one of the league’s best power plays, and handled difficult minutes at even strength.
MORE: Oilers need Penguins-style support system for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl
Still, the Oilers’ first-round playoff collapse against Anaheim likely hurt perception around his season. Fair or not, Norris voting often reflects team success and defensive reputation as much as pure production.
Makar, Werenski, and Dahlin each brought complete cases
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Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The finalists themselves remain difficult to argue against.
Makar (79 points) continued to establish himself as the NHL’s premier all-around defenseman, anchoring Colorado’s Presidents’ Trophy-winning roster while contributing heavily at both ends of the ice. Werenski carried Columbus offensively with 81 points and massive ice time despite the Blue Jackets missing the playoffs again.
Dahlin’s inclusion (74 points) may have surprised some fans, but his impact on Buffalo’s resurgence was undeniable. He led the Sabres to their first division title since 2010 (they also ended their 14 season playoff drought) and controlled play consistently in transition and offensive-zone possession.
Canadiens’ young blueliner Lane Hutson’s omission also drew anger online.
“Hutson played on his bad side half the season,” one fan wrote. “HOW IN THE [expletive] IS LANE HUTSON NOT EVEN A FINALIST?”
MORE: Maple Leafs could solve Mitch Marner departure with Gavin McKenna at No. 1
This year’s backlash says more about the depth of elite defense talent than flawed finalists. The Norris Trophy race has shifted beyond traditional shutdown metrics. Voters now balance offense, puck possession, transition value, and team context more heavily than ever.
So, every omission feels controversial.
Continue reading...
