The race for the Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL's top defenseman, is heating up with three standout candidates highlighted for their exceptional performances this season. Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche have distinguished themselves as finalists. Each player has brought a unique skill set to the ice, showcasing their abilities to contribute both defensively and offensively to their respective teams.
Quinn Hughes: A Season of Milestones
Quinn Hughes has not only made a name for himself this season with his prolific scoring but has also etched his name into the history books. Accumulating an impressive 92 points, Hughes demonstrated his offensive prowess throughout the season. Excelling on the power play, he led all NHL defensemen in power play assists and ranked second in power-play points among his peers. This level of production is not new for Hughes, as he recorded 200 assists over the past three seasons, showcasing his consistent ability to generate scoring opportunities for his team.
Notably, Hughes's nomination marks the first time a Vancouver Canucks player has been in contention for the Norris Trophy. Should he win, Hughes would join the elite ranks as the fourth American player to claim this prestigious award, cementing his status among the NHL's defensive elites.
Roman Josi: Breaking Records at 33
Roman Josi's season was one for the record books. Scoring 85 points, his offensive contribution from the back end was invaluable for the Nashville Predators. Josi led all defensemen in a trio of categories: goals, power-play goals, and shots on goal, showcasing his threat in all areas of the game. His goal-scoring prowess was particularly noteworthy as he set a new benchmark for the most goals in a season by a defenseman aged 33 or older in NHL history.
With this being his third nomination for the Norris Trophy, Josi is no stranger to being recognized for his elite level of play. His consistent performance and ability to lead by example on the ice underscore why he remains one of the top defensemen in the league.
Cale Makar: Defining Excellence
Cale Makar continued to build on his already impressive resume with another standout season. Recording 90 points, he set new team records for both assists and points by a defenseman, underscoring his pivotal role in the Colorado Avalanche's successes. Makar shone across the board, ranking second among defensemen in goals, assists, and points, proving himself to be one of the most versatile and dynamic defensemen in the NHL today.
This year marks Makar's fourth Norris Trophy nomination in just his first five seasons, a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on the game. His ability to influence the outcome of games, whether through his defensive acumen or his offensive contributions, has solidified his place as a perennial contender for the Norris Trophy.
The Norris Trophy Race: A Battle of the Best
The competition for the Norris Trophy this year is notably intense, with each finalist bringing a compelling argument for their case. Hughes's record-setting season and groundbreaking achievements for the Canucks, Josi's record-breaking performance and leadership on the ice, and Makar's consistent excellence and game-changing plays make this year's race one of the most closely watched in recent memory.
These three players exemplify what it means to be a top defenseman in the NHL: the ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a high level of play defensively. Their nominations serve as a recognition of their hard work, dedication, and the significant impact they have had on their teams throughout the season.
As anticipation builds for the announcement of this year's winner, one thing is clear: the Norris Trophy race underscores the incredible talent and skill present among the league's top defensemen. Regardless of who takes home the trophy, each finalist has already left an indelible mark on the season, showcasing the evolving role of defensemen in the league and setting a high bar for future contenders.