5 Candidates For The Norris Trophy
Surprisingly enough, defensemen are making a lot of points this year, increasing their numbers and being more important than ever in the offensive zone. Many players have achieved high stats and demonstrate an elite level. Above these, here are your 5 players likely to win the Norris Trophy in 2020.
1. John Carlson (Washington Capitals)
John Carlson, a 29-years-old right defenseman drafted 27th overall in 2008, is having the best year of his career, with currently 13 goals and 34 assists in only 37 games! The 6-foot-3, 190 pounds frame athlete is presently ranking 7 amongst the leaders for points in the NHL. John Carlson, 2018 Stanley Cup Champion, right now, is playing in the first wave powerplay with Ovechkin, Backstrom, Kuznetsov, and Oshie which helps him a lot. He is currently on an 82-game pace that would give him 27 goals and 109 total points, which is the most since Paul Coffey (113 points) in the 1988–1989 campaign! In brief, he is definitely the perfect contender for 2020 Norris Trophy.
2. Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Cale Makar is a top defenseman drafted fourth overall in 2017. At only 21 years old and on his rookie season, he is simply phenomenal. He plays like a veteran and never fear to adjust his style with the speed of the Mackinnon, Rantanen, and Landeskog, being extremely active in the offensive zone. The right-handed defenseman born in Calgary currently has 28 points in 29 points, having missed games due to a current upper-body injury. Being a captain for UMass in the 2018–2019, while having 49 points in 41 games, he has grown a lot in experience and could maybe be a future captain for the Colorado Avalanche. Cale reads and executes plays quickly, making good things happen for his teammates every time he is out on the ice. Stickhandling and puck possession play is superb. Makar’s potential is that of a traditional franchise defender that can do it all.
3. Dougie Hamilton (Carolina Hurricanes)
Dougie Hamilton, 26 years old, drafted 9th overall is having a hell of a season. He is currently sitting with 35 points in 37 games, averaging 0,97 points. The 6-foot-6, 197-pound frame defenseman from Toronto is a machine this year. He plays as if he doesn’t have any difficulties. The right-handed defensemen play in the first line on the powerplay with Aho, Svechnikov, Teravainen, and Staal, which is evidently very helpful for him. The $5,750,000 guy, with 12 goals and 23 assists, would definitely be a steal for any team. He has excellent mobility and reaches, a strong shot and good stamina.
4. Roman Josi (Nashville Predators)
Roman Josi is a left-handed defenseman drafted 38th overall by the Nashville Predators. He currently has 33 points in 35 games, averaging 0,94 points per game. The Swiss captain from Bern is one of the most important players for the team, since making his entry with the team in 2011. He has the ability to read the play perfectly and execute it with rapidity. He is also very effective defensively, having one of the best differentials with the Nashville Predators, reaching to + 15 marks. The 29-years-old, 6-foot-2, 187-pound frame defenseman is a tireless skater, who loves to jump into the offense and can rush with the puck end-to-end. He controls the play and creates scoring chances for him and his teammates. Roman Josi can play in all situations, log big minutes and is the player you turn to in crucial situations.
5. Shea Weber (Montreal Canadiens)
Shea Weber is a right-handed defenseman drafted 49th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2003. At this point in the year, he has 29 points in 36 games, which is extremely good for a talented athlete in the defensive zone. The Montreal Canadiens captain from British Columbia is a large defenseman (6-foot-4, 229-pound frame) with an all-round game. Weber possesses one of the toughest and most accurate shots in the NHL, making him a lethal weapon on the man-advantage. The 34 years old player is a tough veteran with a large frame and the mindset to make the most of it. Shea Weber, a natural leader, isn’t considered as one of the best defensemen for nothing. He received many awards; World Championship Gold medal, 2 Olympics gold medal, a World Cup Gold medal, an NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award, he has almost everything except a Stanley Cup. Shea is definitely a worldwide elite in his position.
Honorable mentions:
- Keith Yandle (Florida Panthers)
- Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Ryan Ellis (Nashville Predators)
Highlights:
- John Carlson (Washington Capitals) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i_VQwpYaEU
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLpAbWRSQPY
- Dougie Hamilton (Carolina Hurricanes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocv4xLKr_L0
- Roman Josi (Nashville Predators) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnbFukwjzEU
- Shea Weber (Montreal Canadiens) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7glZ0IS4OGE
