In this edition of the hotstove, we share our picks to win the Norris Trophy in 2021.
Todd Cordell
Quinn Hughes.
Let me hit you with some facts about Vancouver’s wonderkid. Roman Josi was the only defender to put up more regular season points (26 in 31 GP) than Quinn Hughes (25 in 29 GP) after the turn of the calendar. He was a point producing machine.
Hughes’ on-ice impact was also remarkably strong. His relative numbers were among the best in the league during that period. Of the 158 most utilized defenders, Hughes’ relative CF of +6.33% was good for 9th. Believe it or not, a lot of that stemmed from his defensive play. Vancouver allowed 11.45 fewer shot attempts per 60 *with* Hughes on the ice, which was the 4th highest differential.
Hughes is evidently one of the best offensive, and play-driving, defenders in the league. I think his defensive game is a lot better than most recognize, too.
With declining 34-year-old Alex Edler, and the guy from the corner store, as the other left-defenders on the roster, Hughes is going to get all the ice in the world. I expect him to make the most of it.
Sean Maloughney To pick the likes of Josi or Hedman again feels just too easy so instead I'm going with Cale Makar.
The 22 year old exploded onto the scene in his first year with 50 points in 58 games even with the amount of injuries to some of the top offensive players on that team.
The Norris should go to the best true defender but so often the player with the most points is the one who gets the nod and Makar certainly has the ability to do that, especially under a shortened NHL season.
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