NHL Norris Trophy Race
As the NHL season reaches its first quarter, attention is shifting towards the Norris Trophy race, which honors the league’s best defenseman based on their exceptional capabilities throughout the season. Last week, we delved into the Hart Trophy candidates; now it’s time to assess the top contenders for the Norris Trophy.
Top Contenders
5. Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders
Matthew Schaefer has emerged as a compelling figure in his rookie season with the New York Islanders, amassing 15 points in 19 games, which ranks him eighth among defensemen. Impressively, he leads all defenders with seven goals, coupled with eight assists. Schaefer stands as the third-highest goal-scorer on his squad, closely trailing teammate Bo Horvat, who has 23 points, while tying for second in points with Mat Barzal. Schaefer’s contributions have helped propel the Islanders into playoff contention as they hold the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Notably, he ranks second in the NHL for penalties drawn, sharing the top spot for net penalties, which measures penalties drawn minus those taken.
Norris Trophy Odds: 51.00/+5000
4. Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets has displayed exceptional performance, positioning himself as a strong candidate for Team Canada’s Olympic roster. With 19 points from three goals and 16 assists over 18 games, he is currently on a five-game point streak and has scored in 10 of his last 11 outings. Morrissey ranks third among defensemen for overall scoring and is notably tied for second with nine primary assists. Moreover, his plus-seven rating leads the Jets, demonstrating his defensive prowess alongside his offensive contributions.
Norris Trophy Odds: 61.00/+6000
3. Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars
Miro Heiskanen, a key player for the Dallas Stars, has yet to secure a major individual award despite his impressive contributions. Last season, injuries limited his appearances, but this year he has already tallied three goals and 14 assists, approaching his previous season totals in a fraction of the games. Heiskanen’s high-impact play saw him recently conclude a stretch where he scored one goal and assisted in 11 other plays over six games. Furthermore, he ranks among the top five in average ice time across the league, clocking in at over 25 minutes per game.
Norris Trophy Odds: 26.00/+2500
2. Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks
Despite the Vancouver Canucks’ struggles in the Pacific Division, Quinn Hughes has been a dynamic force on their blue line. With 20 points (one goal, 19 assists), he’s among the top scorers for defensemen and leads in assists. His analytical metrics highlight his importance to the team, as the Canucks’ expected goals percentage drops substantially when he is off the ice. Hughes also leads all defensemen in average ice time, showcasing his critical role on the team.
Norris Trophy Odds: 4.00/+300
1. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
It’s not surprising to find Cale Makar at the top of the Norris Trophy rankings. He leads all defensemen in scoring with 25 points from six goals and 19 assists across 19 games, including a league-leading 12 primary assists. His plus-17 rating is the highest among defensemen, and he also leads in even-strength goals and overall points, further solidifying his impressive all-around play. With a remarkably low number of giveaways, Makar continues to make a compelling case for not only the Norris but potentially the Hart Trophy as well.
Norris Trophy Odds: 1.30/-333
As the season progresses, these defensemen will continue to battle for the prestigious honor, and fans will be eager to see who ultimately takes home the Norris Trophy.
