The race for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the National Hockey League's top defenseman, is heating up with three standout players in contention this year: Quinn Hughes, Roman Josi, and Cale Makar. Each finalist brings a remarkable season's resume, making the decision for this year’s winner an eagerly anticipated one.
Quinn Hughes: A Season of Achievements
Quinn Hughes has been an unequivocal powerhouse for the Vancouver Canucks, amassing an impressive 92 points over the season. Hughes’ prowess was particularly notable on the power play, where he led all NHL defensemen in assists and ranked second in power-play points among his peers. Over the past three seasons, Hughes has tallied 200 assists, showcasing consistent performance and skill.
Notably, Hughes has etched his name in the Canucks’ history books, becoming the first player from the franchise to be a finalist for the Norris Trophy. His nomination not only underscores his individual excellence but also marks a significant milestone for the Canucks. Furthermore, should Hughes clinch the Norris Trophy, he would become only the fourth American player to do so, joining an elite group of defensemen.
Roman Josi: Breaking Records and Setting High Standards
Roman Josi's contribution to the Nashville Predators has been nothing short of monumental. Scoring 85 points this season, Josi led all NHL defensemen in goals, power-play goals, and shots on goal. His goal-scoring prowess was particularly historic, as he scored the most goals in a season by a defenseman aged 33 or older in NHL history. This remarkable achievement highlights Josi's exceptional skill and aging like fine wine.
Josi is no stranger to the Norris Trophy nominations, with this year marking his third nomination. His consistent top-tier performance and leadership on the ice speak volumes of his impact in the league and on his team.
Cale Makar: A Rising Star Continues to Shine
Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL, despite being in the league for only five seasons. This season, Makar tallied 90 points, setting new team records for assists and points by a defenseman. He ranked second among defensemen in goals, assists, and points, a testament to his versatility and offensive capabilities.
Makar’s nomination for the Norris Trophy, his fourth in just five seasons, solidifies his status as one of the top defensemen in the league. Makar's rapid ascension and consistent excellence suggest that he will be a mainstay in Norris Trophy conversations for years to come.
The 2023 Norris Trophy: A Close Contest
This year's Norris Trophy race is undoubtedly one of the most closely watched, with Hughes, Josi, and Makar all presenting compelling cases for their candidacy. Hughes' record-setting season for the Canucks, Josi's goal-scoring feats and leadership for the Predators, and Makar's ongoing record-breaking journey with the Avalanche, offer a thrilling backdrop for this year's decision.
Quinn Hughes' historical power-play achievements and milestone for the Canucks, Roman Josi's goal-scoring record at his age and previous Norris nominations, and Cale Makar's team records and rapid rise in the league present a tight race that is too close to call. The accomplishments of these three defensemen underscore not only their significance to their respective teams but also their profound impact on the NHL as a whole.
As the league prepares to announce this year's Norris Trophy winner, fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting to see who among these deserving candidates will take home the coveted award. Regardless of the outcome, each finalist has undeniably made their mark on the 2023 NHL season, setting the stage for an exciting reveal.