The NHL has named John Carlson, Victor Hedman, and Roman Josi as its three finalists for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's best defenseman. This is the first nomination for Carlson, who would become the second Capitals defenseman to win the award. Hedman is nominated for the award for the third straight season, having won it during the 2017-18 season. Josi is a first-time finalist and would be the first Predators defenseman to win the Norris.
The Case for John Carlson
Carlson's offensive production this season puts him in a league of his own among his fellow defensemen. He finished the shortened season with 15 goals and 60 assists for 75 points, with his assist and point totals leading all defensemen. He is the first defenseman to average over a point per game since the 1993-94 season, when three different players accomplished the feat. He also led NHL defensemen in game-winning goals with six, and was 10th among defensemen in time on ice for a very good Capitals team. Carlson's defensive stats put him significantly behind the other nominees, as his +12 rating leaves him well outside the top 25 defensemen.
The Case for Victor Hedman
Hedman has become a perennial nominee, as his combination of point production, power-play prowess, and defensive abilities puts him among the league's best defensemen year in and year out. The Swedish defenseman recorded 11 goals and 44 assists for 55 points, finishing fourth in assists and third in points among defensemen. Hedman was also incredibly effective defensively, with his +27 rating leaving him fourth among NHL defensemen. He finished with more takeaways than giveaways, ranking eighth in takeaways and outside the top 50 in giveaways. Hedman's elite combination of offensive skills and defensive responsibility makes him a terrific franchise defenseman.
The Case for Roman Josi
Josi had a terrific season for an otherwise unassuming Predators team offensively. He scored 16 goals and added 49 assists for 65 points, leading his team in assists and points. He ranked second to Carlson among defensemen in both assists and points. Josi led NHL defensemen in shots on goal, was fifth in power-play points, and had the third-most ice time in the league. Josi's defensive play was just as impressive, as his +22 on a middle-of-the-road team landed him seventh among defensemen. Josi's play undoubtedly led his team to their playoff spot, as they are occupying the sixth seed in the Western Conference entering this weekend's qualifying round. The Preds captain had an all-around terrific season and has a strong case for the award.
The Consensus
The Norris is a tough award to predict, as the league has made a habit in recent years of awarding it to the point leader. While putting up high scoring numbers as a defenseman is impressive, there are other aspects of play that should be taken into account. Carlson had phenomenal offensive stats, even leading his loaded offensive team in scoring. However, Carlson's defensive play can't compare to that of the other two nominees. He very well could still take home the hardware, but I would rank him third all-around. Hedman and Josi posted very similar stats this year, but I give the edge this season to Josi. Nashville had a very rough start to the season, but Josi took the team by the horns and raised the play of the team. The relative lack of supporting cast as compared to the Lightning team Hedman plays for comes into play as well. Since he is on the worst team of the three and put up extremely respectable numbers, I give the upper hand to the Swiss blueliner.
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