Erik Karlsson, the San Jose Sharks’ defenseman, has made history by becoming the first defenseman since 1992 to reach 100 points in a season. The last player to accomplish this feat was Brian Leetch during the 1991-1992 season. Interestingly, Karlsson had only amassed 97 points combined over his previous three seasons. His impressive achievement has sparked debates about his chances to win the Norris Trophy, given to the league’s top defenseman.
On a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman said that former NHL defenseman Kevin Bieksa is against Karlsson winning the Norris Trophy due to the number of times he has been on the ice for goals against and the Sharks’ lack of success this season. However, many find it difficult to overlook Karlsson’s incredible 100-point milestone. With 25 goals and 75 assists in 80 games, Karlsson’s offensive prowess is undeniable. However, his -21 rating this year raises questions about his overall defensive contribution.
The San Jose Sharks’ disappointing season undoubtedly contributes to the controversy surrounding Karlsson’s Norris Trophy candidacy. The team currently sits near the bottom of the league with only 60 points, having won just 22 out of their 80 games. This dismal performance has left them far from playoff contention.
His accomplishment is a testament to his offensive talent and ability to contribute to his team’s scoring. However, the question of whether this remarkable achievement is enough to secure the Norris Trophy remains unanswered, with critics pointing to his defensive shortcomings and the Sharks’ struggles this season. It is no doubt an amazing achievement by the Sharks defenseman, and he is still easily a top 3 contender to win the Norris.
