NHL announces Norris Trophy finalists
The National Hockey League has announced the three finalists for the first trophy of the 2021-22 season. That being the James Norris Memorial Trophy.
The Norris is awarded to the league's top defensive player, who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position. It is named after James E. Norris, the longtime owner of the Detroit Red Wings.
The NHL announced its three finalists Monday morning:
Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators led all NHL defensemen in points with 23 goals and 73 assists for 96 points in 80 games played. This season makes Josi a finalist for the second time in his career, as he won the Norris Trophy for his 2019-20 campaign.
Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche was second in scoring by defensemen with 86 points but led in goals with 28. The 23-year-old was also a finalist last season, finishing in second behind New York Rangers' Adam Fox.
Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning is a finalist for the sixth straight season. He finished third in points by a defenseman this season with 20 goals and 65 assists and also played in all 82 games. Hedman won the Norris in 2017-18 and finished third each of the past three seasons.
One defenseman that seems to get overlooked in the Norris Trophy voting every season is Boston Bruins' star, Charlie McAvoy. McAvoy's best finish was fifth in voting last season with two first-place votes. The 24-year-old is not as offensive as most finalists as he finished 11th in defensemen scoring with 10 goals and 46 assists.
However, his defensive numbers and advanced analytics are always at the top of the league every season, particularly this season:
The last Boston Bruin to win the Norris Trophy was Zdeno Chara in 2008-09. He was also a finalist in 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2013-14.
