The race for the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League's (NHL) top defenseman, is heating up with three exceptional candidates vying for the honor: Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche. Each has made indelible marks through their performances in the season, setting the stage for a fiercely contested accolade.
Quinn Hughes: A Power-Play Maestro
Quinn Hughes has emerged as a phenomenal talent on the ice, not just for the Canucks but across the entire league. Accumulating an impressive 92 points over the season, Hughes has shown his offensive prowess and his critical role in power plays. Leading all NHL defensemen in power-play assists and ranking second in power-play points, Hughes has become the backbone of the Canucks' special teams. His ability to read the game and make precise passes has seen him recording 200 assists over three seasons, an impressive feat that underscores his playmaking capabilities.
More significantly, Hughes is making history as the first Canucks player to be a finalist for the Norris Trophy. His nomination holds the potential for him to become the fourth American ever to win this prestigious award, marking an incredible milestone in his burgeoning career.
Roman Josi: The Veteran’s Record-Breaking Season
Roman Josi, with 85 points this season, continues to defy expectations at the age of 33, showcasing a level of athleticism and skill that has left many in awe. Leading all defensemen in goals, power-play goals, and shots on goal, Josi has been nothing short of spectacular, pushing the boundaries of what is expected from a veteran defenseman. His record-setting achievement of scoring the most goals in a single season by a defenseman aged 33 or older in NHL history speaks volumes of his enduring prowess and work ethic. This nomination marks Josi’s third for the Norris Trophy, highlighting his consistency and enduring excellence on the defensive front.
Cale Makar: The Rising Star
Cale Makar's nomination for the Norris Trophy comes as no surprise to those who have followed his career. Amassing 90 points this season, Makar has shattered team records for both assists and points by a defenseman. Ranking second among defensemen in goals, assists, and points, he has made a compelling case for his candidacy. Furthermore, this marks Makar's fourth Norris Trophy nomination in just his first five seasons, a testament to his immediate impact in the league and his standing as one of the premier defensemen in the game today.
Norris Trophy Race: A Testament to Defensive Greatness
The Norris Trophy race this year is particularly noteworthy, given the caliber of players nominated. Each finalist has not only contributed significantly to their respective teams but has also raised the bar for what is expected from a defenseman in the league. With Hughes's playmaking, Josi's goal-scoring capability, and Makar's all-around excellence, choosing a winner among these three will be no easy task.
Each of these players brings a unique style and set of skills to the game, making them not just indispensable to their teams but also to the league as a whole. As the hockey community looks forward to the announcement of the winner, there is no denying the impact Hughes, Josi, and Makar have had on the NHL this season. Irrespective of who takes home the Norris Trophy, their achievements this year have already ensured their place among the elites of the game.
In essence, the 2023 Norris Trophy race not only highlights the incredible talents of Hughes, Josi, and Makar but also celebrates the evolving role of defensemen in today’s NHL. Gone are the days when defensemen were primarily valued for their physicality and defensive play; today, they are integral to their team’s offensive dynamics as well, a fact amply demonstrated by this year's finalists. As the NHL continues to evolve, so too do the benchmarks of excellence, with Hughes, Josi, and Makar setting the standard for the modern defenseman.