Pre-Season Top 5 Norris Candidates

Today we continue a five-part series, looking at top candidates for the different awards this season. Here are my top five Norris Trophy contenders…

1. Drew Doughty
Bold prediction: Doughty will win four Norris Trophies in the next decade… and that spree begins this season. In just his second season in the league, the Kings phenom defenseman racked up 59 points and a +20 plus/minus rating. Also, with 31 points on the man advantage, he’s a machine on the power play.

The biggest thing I’m impressed with Doughty is his composure for his age (still 20). He is so cool with the puck on his stick, reminding many of a young Scott Niedermayer… which is very high praise. Los Angeles is going to be a great team once again this year, and is my current favorite to win the Pacific Division. If they were to unseat San Jose out West, Doughty would be a key part of that.

2. Duncan Keith
What makes Keith so remarkable is his all-around play from the back end. In his own end, he is wizard-like and rarely makes a mistake; his breakout pass is up there with the best in the league; and offensively, Keith creates chances and is poised with the puck. These three qualities are the reason why he won the Norris over Doughty and Green last season.

Furthermore, Keith doesn’t rely on the man advantage to provide his production. Only 16 of his 69 points were recorded on the power play (23.3%)… proving his value to the ‘Hawks at even strength. It would be a mistake to overlook him as a candidate to repeat as the Norris winner. Chicago’s not going anywhere, and Keith is just entering his prime.

3. Zdeno Chara
‘Big Z’ was the most dominant defenseman in the NHL just two years ago – and is still considered that by many. In 2008/09, the year he won his first Norris, Chara had 50 points and a +23 plus/minus rating. Those numbers dipped a bit in 2009/10 as the Bruins struggled to maintain the success.

With that being said, Boston is considered the favorite to win the division and perform a lot better than last year. Since he still runs the power play, a return to 15-20 goals should be in the offing. Assuming Chara can stay healthy, I look for him to anchor the Bruins defense once again and put up big numbers in a contract year.

4. Mike Green
Green is the best offensive defenseman in the league… there is no arguing that. But just because he puts up over 70 points doesn’t mean he’s automatically the best defenseman in the league and should win the Norris. Despite the great numbers, Green’s play in his own zone is suspect to say the least.

Last year should be proof that you need to be more than just an offensive dynamo to win the Norris. Keith had great numbers, but backed them up with stellar play in the defensive zone. For Green to eventually win this trophy, he’ll have to fine-tune his defensive game. I don’t think that will happen overnight…

5. Shea Weber
Over the last couple years, Shea Weber has evolved into one of the more dominant defenders in the NHL. He’s a mean son of a gun in his own zone and has a wicked hard slap shot – one that can actually go through the net. Weber has scored 39 goals, combined, in the last two seasons for the Predators.

This summer, he was handed the captaincy after the trade of Jason Arnott. Weber is type of player that will flourish with the ‘C’ on his chest, and may even improve. This is his team now, and will play like it every night. Now that his name is officially on the map throughout the league after his stellar Olympics, Weber should get consideration for the Norris with another great season.

Honorable Mention: Chris Pronger, Dan Boyle, Erik Johnson

Photo credit: Getty Images