The competition for the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL's top defenseman, is heating up with three outstanding candidates vying for the honor this year: Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche. Each player brings a distinctive set of skills and achievements to the table, making this year's race particularly exciting for hockey fans and experts alike.
Quinn Hughes: Setting Records and Breaking Ground
Quinn Hughes has had a remarkable season, notching an impressive 92 points. His prowess on the power play has been a key component of his success, leading all NHL defensemen in power-play assists and ranking second in power-play points among his peers. Hughes's contribution to his team extends beyond this season; over the past three years, he has recorded a whopping 200 assists. His exceptional performance has not only put him in the spotlight as a finalist for the Norris Trophy but also marked him as the first player from the Vancouver Canucks ever to be nominated for this award. Should Hughes win, he would join the exclusive ranks of American players to have won the Norris Trophy, positioning him as the fourth to achieve such a distinction.
Roman Josi: Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Roman Josi, with an outstanding 85 points this season, has proven himself to be an indispensable asset to the Nashville Predators. Josi leads all NHL defensemen in goals, power-play goals, and shots on goal. Notably, he has set a record for the most goals in a season by a defenseman aged 33 or older in the history of the NHL. This year marks Josi's third Norris Trophy nomination, a testament to his consistently high level of play and his critical role in the Predators' defense.
Cale Makar: A Young Star Continues to Rise
Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche has also had an exceptional season, tallying 90 points. He has shattered team records for both assists and points by a defenseman, underscoring his significance to the Avalanche's success. Ranking second among defensemen in goals, assists, and points, Makar has proven himself to be a versatile and dynamic player. Impressively, this year's nomination marks Makar's fourth Norris Trophy nod in just his first five NHL seasons, signaling his rapid ascent in the league and establishing him as one of the most exciting young talents in hockey today.
A Closely Watched Race
The race for the Norris Trophy is one of the most anticipated of the year, with Hughes, Josi, and Makar each bringing a strong case for the honor. Hughes's record-setting assists and pioneering achievements for the Canucks, Josi's goal-scoring prowess and remarkable consistency, and Makar's record-breaking contributions to the Avalanche all highlight the exceptional talent and achievements of this year's nominees.
As the NHL community and fans eagerly await the announcement, the debate over who will take home the Norris Trophy continues. Each candidate has made significant impacts on their respective teams and the league as a whole, making the decision a challenging one for the voters. Regardless of the outcome, the 2023 Norris Trophy race will be remembered for the high caliber of its finalists and the tight competition they represent. This year's nominee's showcase not only individual excellence but also the evolving role of defensemen in the game, who are increasingly recognized for their contributions not just in defense but in the offensive play as well.
In conclusion, the 2023 Norris Trophy finalists epitomize the best of the NHL's defensemen, each with their own style and achievements that have marked this season as one to remember. Whether it's Hughes with his eye-catching assists, Josi with his record-setting goals, or Makar with his all-around excellence, the winner will undoubtedly have earned one of hockey's highest honors through a combination of skill, perseverance, and exceptional play.