2022 Norris Trophy Predictions
The Norris Trophy is awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL and was won by Adam Fox of the New York Rangers last season.
Roman Josi won the award in 2020 and is one of the favorites this year after he set the Predators’ all-time record for points in a season with 87 this year.
Josi is nearing 20 goals on the season as a defenseman while he is also nearing 70 assists, which resembles a forward’s production.
Cale Makar of the Avalanche has also had a very good offensive season with 25 goals and 52 assists on the year.
Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman won the award in 2018 and is nearing 20 goals on the season.
Last year’s winner, Adam Fox, has nearly 70 points on the season and has been amazing on the defensive side of the ice, too.
Longtime Capitals defenseman John Carlson has been consistent this year as one of the premier defenseman in the league and has 49 assists on the season.
The Avalanche acquired Devon Toews from the Islanders for draft picks that turned into Janis Moser and this year’s second-round pick, and it has paid dividends as he has been one of the most underrated players in the league.
Before he got hurt, Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was having a very good season with 15 goals and 42 assists while leading the team.
Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen has been one of the lockdown defenders on Dallas who has missed some time with injury but still has had an overall good season.
Charlie McAvoy of the Bruins has been a consistently good player who will have his offensive production boosted by the addition of Hampus Lindholm.
The Canucks Quinn Hughes has been a bright spot for them this year as they have really had a roller coaster year, but he has shined on the defensive side of things and has been able to have a little offensive production.
Kris Letang has 55 assists for the Penguins this season which is one of the better marks for defenseman on the year.
Morgan Reilly has quietly had a good season for Toronto and has 61 points on the season while also being one of the most reliable defenders on the team.
The Hurricanes’ Jaccob Slavin will not wow you with his offensive stats, but his defensive ability is amongst the best in the league.
Former first round pick of the Sabres Rasmus Dahlin has also put together a very nice season similar to Slavin’s but he does have 9 goals on the year.
Another long shot is the Red Wings’ Moritz Seider, who has performed better than anyone thought he would this year.
This trophy should shake out to Josi winning his second, with Norris, Makar and Fox being the runners up.
James Morrison is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jpm6920@psu.edu.
