NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY – Best defenseman
EAST: P.K. Subban – The fact is that 2 of the top 3 scoring defensemen are in the Eastern Conference. The fact is also that both of them (Subban and Erik Karlsson) are equal opportunity defensemen, meaning each team has a chance to score when they are on the ice this season. The fact Subban is a +13 while Karlsson is -11 gives him the nod. If my format didn’t demand it, there wouldn’t be an Eastern Conference nominee in the bunch.
Jan 4, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (76) is called for a minor penalty against Ottawa Senators right wing Erik Condra (22) during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
WEST: Duncan Keith – The league’s highest scoring defensemen is also one of the best defensively, on a good team. He has 39 assists and a +18 rating.
Dec 27, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) being defended by Colorado Avalanche right wing P.A. Parenteau (15) in the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
WINNER: Keith. After Keith, Subban and Karlsson, the 9 of the next 10 highest scoring defensemen are from the Western Conference, which is an indication of why the West has been best this season. Keith is far and away the best of a good lot.