The National Hockey League announced Thursday that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has earned his sixth straight nomination for the league’s top defensive honor.
Makar, who has claimed the prestigious award twice previously in 2021-22 and 2024-25, will compete against Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and Columbus Blue Jackets standout Zach Werenski for this year’s recognition.
The honor recognizes the league’s top defenseman as determined by votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association. League officials will reveal the winner at a future date.
The 27-year-old Makar compiled 79 points this season, including 20 goals and 59 assists, while posting a plus-32 rating across 75 games.
Dahlin, 26, achieved personal bests with 74 points on 19 goals and 55 assists, along with a plus-18 rating in 77 games. This marks his first nomination for the award, and a victory would make him the first Sabres player to earn the distinction.
At 28, Werenski has now earned back-to-back nominations for the honor. He accumulated 81 points through 22 goals and 59 assists over 75 games during the 2025-26 campaign.
