Bruins Defenseman Needs To Make This Sacrifice To Win The Norris

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Austin Sabourin
September 3, 2023 (11:08)

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After having what could be considered his best season so far on the ice, this upcoming 2023-24 season presents a prime opportunity for Charlie McAvoy, the defenseman for the Boston Bruins, to secure his first Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman. Despite never being nominated before, he's widely recognized as one of the premier defensemen in the league.

What we've witnessed already is that McAvoy is praised for his skills at both ends of the rink, but he has room to elevate his offensive game even further. With the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, the Bruins need others to step up and contribute more in terms of scoring.

Coming off a season with his second-highest career point total of 52 (seven goals and 45 assists), McAvoy was on track to surpass his career high of 56 points from the 2021-22 season. Unfortunately, he missed the initial 15 games of the 2022-23 season due to shoulder surgery recovery. McAvoy possesses all the qualities needed to become the top defenseman in the league. Despite his solid numbers, there's an aspect of his game he can develop further to position himself as a contender for the Norris Trophy.

McAvoy's goal production doesn't match up with the typical Norris Trophy contenders because his goal numbers aren't as high. In the 2021-22 season, he scored ten goals, whereas the last three Norris Trophy winners (in an 82-game season) averaged 23 goals. So, why hasn't McAvoy hit that higher goal mark?

The primary factor for the 25-year-old defenseman's lower goal total seems to be his total shots on goal and attempted shots. Over the last three seasons, Norris Trophy winners have averaged 236.3 total shots on goal and 508 attempted shots in an 82-game season. McAvoy's highest shot on goal total is 166, and his attempted shots peak at 295 throughout his NHL career.

The takeaway is clear: McAvoy needs to increase his shot attempts, leading to more shots on goal. It's simple math that this approach would likely result in more goals. McAvoy's shot isn't lacking either; he's shown the ability to release the puck quickly or take his time for a powerful shot. He also knows how to place the puck well, evident in his several expertly placed corner goals.

McAvoy might not shoot as frequently as other top defensemen due to the Bruins having strong shooting forwards, like Pastrnak, with whom he's played since entering the NHL in 2017. Given the team's current offensive lineup, which might not be as potent as before, it's a good time for McAvoy to start directing more shots on net.

The former Boston University Terrier has few weaknesses in his game. His defensive prowess and physicality are self-evident, and he displays leadership on and off the ice. He's a key player during power plays and penalty kills, excelling at moving the puck out of the defensive zone. However, considering the evolving landscape of the league, it's quite straightforward: for the former first-round draft pick to win his first Norris Trophy, he should shoot the puck more often.

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