Todd Cordell
For me it's Erik Karlsson.
He averaged a point per game last season and was by far the most efficient 5 v 5 producer as he averaged 1.52 points/60 minutes and led the way with 44 points at full-strength. Brent Burns (35) and Dustin Byfuglien (31) were the only other two defensemen to record more than 29 points in that game state. Karlsson put up those numbers with a lesser supporting cast than Burns and Drew Doughty, too.
While his defense is often criticized I think it's better than he is given credit for. On the penalty kill, for example, he was the NHL's 20th best defenseman in terms of shot suppression among 125 blue liners with 100+ minutes.
For comparison sake Burns ranked 26th in that regard while Doughty finished 42nd.
The sample size isn't large, obviously, but it at least partly dismisses the notion that he can't play a lick of defense.
I think he is better defensively than most believe and nobody can touch what he brings to the table on the offensive side of things. As such I think No. 65 is deserving of another Norris.
Jason Lewis Earlier in the year I advocated for Doughty/Faulk over a guy like Karlsson.
Took a lot of time this year from then on to focus on Karlsson since I had so many people interested in my take. Faulk fell off, so it really became about Doughty/Karlsson.
Short answer: Karlsson
Long answer: I think Doughty brings a lot to the table that gets passed by in stats. He is not on any level similar to the caliber of offensive talent that Karlsson brings to the table. Plus, Karlsson had a near historical offensive season. He should get it for that reason this year. But I do believe that in a general assessment of quality they are a lot closer than people think. Doughty's ability to control the pace of games and dictate the ice is like few other defenseman. Burns is very good and you could also easily argue he had a better season than Doughty form an offensive generating stand point as well. Still, there is an element to Doughty that is impressive when you watch him pretty much set up entire transitional rushes for the Kings with his skating, movement, vision, and sense. He means so much to the Kings in the transitional game and defensive zone.
That being said, you can't deny the work that Karlsson did this year. He should get it.
I think we are just fortunate to have three defenders of this outstanding quality to debate over. It often gets heated but any three of these guys deserve to win it. They just all happen to be really good in different ways right at the same time.
Recent posts: Who should win the Hart Trophy?