Norris Trophy Odds 2027: Best NHL Defenseman Betting Lines & Futures

Three of the four Norris Trophy hockey odds favourites at the BetMGM sportsbook previously won the award, including Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, and Zach Werenski.

Will a former winner be anointed the best defenceman, or will the plaudits go to someone who is yet to celebrate the honour?

Who Will Win the Norris Trophy in 2027?

I predict Rasmus Dahlin will win the Norris Trophy for the first time. While I believe Evan Bouchard, who led all defencemen with 95 points, deserved to be a finalist more than Dahlin, the Buffalo Sabres captain enjoyed a terrific 2025-26 campaign. 

Dahlin enjoyed a career year in points (74) and scored 19 goals, one shy of his personal best. 

He represents the backbone of an exciting Sabres team, and, after his first taste of playoff hockey, I expect him to elevate his level again in 2026-27

Dahlin is just as influential defensively as he is in the offensive zone, something that cannot be said for Bouchard. Without the 26-year-old Swede, the Sabres would not have been among the Stanley Cup contenders last season. 

He’ll again be the focal point of the Sabres blue line, and I like his chances of outduelling other Norris Trophy favourites. 

Norris Trophy Favourites

Cale Makar 

If Dahlin doesn’t win, Makar has the best shot of securing his third Norris Trophy. Despite being among the three finalists last season, Makar didn’t have one of his best campaigns. 

He struggled offensively for extended periods and was hampered by a late-season injury, which contributed to the Colorado Avalanche’s demise in the postseason. Yet Makar still scored the third-most points of all defencemen (79) behind Werenski (81) and Bouchard. 

Quinn Hughes 

Aside from Makar, nobody can impact proceedings from the blue line like Hughes. His vision, skating ability, and agility make him a dream for any coach. 

However, Hughes’ future with the Minnesota Wild is about as uncertain as Connor Hellebuyck’s with the Winnipeg Jets.

Hughes will thrive no matter where he plays. Still, the longer his contract negotiations stall in Minnesota, the more I wonder about his ability to block out the noise and perform at a level befitting the world’s best defenceman. 

There is a chance he’ll get traded to the New Jersey Devils and join his brothers. If that occurs, he’ll likely leapfrog Makar on the odds leaderboard and become the undisputed favourite. Until that improbable outcome materializes, I’m passing on the 26-year-old.

Zach Werenski 

I didn’t agree with Werenski winning last season’s Norris, and I don’t think he’ll repeat. I’m not arguing the fact that Werenski is one of the world’s best defencemen, but I was surprised to see him win the award despite the Columbus Blue Jackets missing the playoffs. 

He’ll need to be even better in 2026-27 to defend his crown, which will likely be an order too tall for the 29-year-old. 

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