The NHL has announced the three nominees for this year’s Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defenseman during the regular season. The nominees are Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Adam Fox of the New York Rangers, and Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks. Each of these talented defensemen have made their mark on the ice this season, but only one will take home the prestigious award.
Cale Makar enjoyed an impressive season with the Avalanche, scoring 17 goals and adding 49 assists for a total of 66 points in just 60 games played. Makar’s strong play also earned him a +16 rating, along with 6 game-winning goals.
Adam Fox, representing the Rangers, tallied 12 goals and 60 assists for a total of 72 points in a full 82-game season. His solid defensive performance contributed to a +28 rating and 5 game-winning goals.
Finally, Erik Karlsson of the Sharks made history by becoming the first defenseman to reach 100 points in a single season since Brian Leetch achieved the feat during the 1991-1992 season. Karlsson’s 25 goals and 76 assists gave him a remarkable 101 points in 82 games played, though his defensive rating was a -26, and he scored 4 game-winning goals.
