Zach Werenski's league-leading production among defensemen has driven overwhelming trader consensus toward the Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner for the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy. He posted 81 points in 75 games with 22 goals—18 at even strength—and 59 assists while logging 26:37 of ice time per game, topping or ranking near the top in shots, multi-point outings, and even-strength scoring. The three finalists, announced May 7, include two-time winner Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and first-time nominee Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres, both of whom posted strong seasons but trail Werenski in key offensive and workload metrics. Makar's prior hardware and Dahlin's consistent point totals provide realistic paths for shifts if voting favors experience or team context.