2013-14 Season Preview: Norris Trophy Predictions
There are only 4 active players who have had their hands on the Norris Trophy, which was basically perennially in the possession of Nicklas Lidstrom for the better part of the 2000’s. Besides Lidstrom and Scott Niedermayer, only Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Erik Karlsson and P.K. Subban have managed to win the Norris one time each since 1990’s turned to 2000.
Jun 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban poses with the Norris Trophy during the first intermission of game two of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
There is an ever-increasing number of players that are forcing their way into contention for the title of league’s best blueliner, and in many cases some very different types of defenseman are vying for the honour.
That being said, as difficult as it was to narrow it down, here are my 5 top contenders for this year’s Norris Trophy
5. Shea Weber
Sep 19, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber (6) against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports
Weber really missed his old running mate in Ryan Suter at the beginning of last season, but is still a dominant defenseman on his own. As he learned to play and adapt his game without Suter, he got better as he went. He will likely be paired with either Roman Josi or 4th overall pick Seth Jones for a majority of the season.
4. Ryan Suter
Sep 21, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter (20) looks to pass during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
When the Suter-Weber combination broke up, fewer people would have expected Suter to excel quicker and perhaps better than Weber. That was the case, as Suter was dominant in his new home and wound up as a finalist for the Norris last year. He also mentored a young Jonas Brodin into a first rate NHL defenseman in just his rookie season.
Sep 21, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) takes a shot against the Dallas Stars during the second period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
With the distraction of a contract dispute behind him, Pietrangelo can focus on what he does best. As the leader of one of the top 3 bluelines in the NHL, he has the skill, support and system to make this a Norris season. He is coming off a sub-par year, but has bounce-back potential.
2. P.K. Subban
May 5, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (78) controls the puck in the first period in game three of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
With the focus the last couple of years being on the offensive side of the blue line, the two best offensive defensemen have to be considered the top contenders. P.K. Subban is talented, confident and has assumed a leadership role in Montreal, for better or worse. He is dominant, with much of his production coming with the man advantage, but is developing a solid all-around game and has the potential to be a game changer with offense or with a big hit.
1. Erik Karlsson
Sep 15, 2013; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) takes a shot on net during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Senators win 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
While Subban has a majority of his production on the power play, Karlsson’s offense is more evenly spread between even strength and the man advantage. Depending on your perspective, that could help or hurt Karlsson. I tend to think that more production in 5-on-5 situations is better for the team and their chances. Not that he is a slouch with the man advantage. Karlsson wasn’t able to defend the trophy he won in 2011-12, and he would like almost nothing more than to reclaim what he feels is rightfully his.
OTHER CONTENDERS
Like I said, there are many contenders, and I could have made this list 10 or 15 long.
Sep 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) makes a pass against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Zdeno Chara – Not quite the dominant force he once was, but still among the elite.
Duncan Keith – Two-time Stanley Cup Champ and one of the active former winnners
Drew Doughty – Stats don’t tell the whole story, and although he has them too, his overall game is underrated if that were possible.
Kris Letang – His importance to the Penguins is often overshadowed by the impressive forward unit, but he could be the 2nd best offensive d-man in the game.
Niklas Kronwall – Is this the year he really breaks through as an all-around force to be reckoned with? Or at least gets the credit for it.