Ranking the Top Candidates for the Norris Trophy in 2014-15 NHL Season
As the 2014-15 NHL season approaches its midpoint, the battle for the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman is becoming very interesting.
I've reviewed this year's potential candidates two other times this season: back in August and again in late October.
My early favorite, Drew Doughty, is flying below the radar so far, playing big minutes but on a Kings team that might be waiting till closer to playoff time to get in gear.
Acclaimed defenders like Doughty, Ryan Suter and Alex Pietrangelo could very well play their way back into Norris consideration with a strong second half, but they're not among the current front-runners based on what we've seen so far.
With honorable mentions to the evolving Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks and stellar sophomore Sami Vatanen of the Anaheim Ducks, here's my updated look at this year's top Norris Trophy contenders.
Stats courtesy of NHL.com, through completed games Wednesday, December 17.
6. Kris Letang: Pittsburgh Penguins
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My Previous Rankings: August - N/A, October - N/A
Current Stats: 25 GP, 7 G, 14 A, 21 PTS, +5
Making His Case: After finishing third in Norris Trophy voting in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season and signing an eight-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins, last year was one to forget for smooth-skating Kris Letang.
He was limited to just 37 games in 2013-14 due to a variety of injuries and a stroke suffered last February, but Letang has come back better than ever this season.
The Penguins defense has been suspect in past years, but Pittsburgh is fifth in the league with just 2.30 goals against per game in 2014-15, with Letang as their blue-line leader. At 27, he's playing the best hockey of his career and deserves serious Norris consideration based on his play so far this year.
Letang is the engine the fuels the Penguins power play and is missed when he's out of action. Pittsburgh scored just one goal with the man advantage during the five games that Letang was sidelined with a groin injury between November 29 and December 8.
5. Kevin Shattenkirk: St. Louis Blues
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My Previous Rankings: August - N/A, October - N/A
Current Stats: 31 GP, 4 G, 23 A, 27 PTS, +14
Making His Case: Alex Pietrangelo is typically the St. Louis Blues defenseman who gets the Norris Trophy attention—he finished fifth in voting in 2013-14. Pietrangelo remains a workhorse, leading all St. Louis blueliners with an average ice time of 25:44 per game, but it's 25-year-old Kevin Shattenkirk who's putting up the best numbers this season.
Shattenkirk is ranked second in scoring among defensemen, and his plus-14 is just one spot shy of the league leaders. He's been especially strong with the man advantage, picking up 17 of his 27 points on a power play that's now ranked third overall in the NHL.
That's the sort of high-profile play that draws attention from voters when the time comes to cast their Norris Trophy ballots.
4. P.K. Subban: Montreal Canadiens
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My Previous Rankings: August - third, October - second
Current Stats: 32 GP, 8 G, 14 A, 22 PTS, +5
Making His Case: The 2013 Norris Trophy winner is one of the most exciting players in the game of hockey and has been tapped as an important leader on the evolving Montreal Canadiens.
With the Habs challenging for top spot in the Atlantic Division, Subban's high-risk, high-reward style is paying dividends, while his personality has endeared him to the NHL's most critical fans.
"There've been games when they said P.K. didn't play his best, but there hasn't been a day they've booed me," Subban asserted to Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated. "People appreciate that I'm not scared to make a mistake."
Subban's strong fan support will help him garner votes in the Norris Trophy race next spring.
.png?w=256 "Playoff Winners and Losers")
3. Mark Giordano: Calgary Flames
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My Previous Rankings: August - N/A, October - N/A
Current Stats: 33 GP, 8 G, 23 A, 31 PTS, +13
Making His Case: Mark Giordano continues to surprise as one of the best defensemen in the NHL this year. Ably filling Calgary's leadership void as captain following the departure of Jarome Iginla, Giordano is improving on his 2013-14 breakout season by leading all defensemen with 31 points in 33 games.
He's not all about the offense, either. Giordano's plus-13 ranks him seventh among all blueliners. He's a savvy defender who can play a physical game when needed.
His name may not carry the same prestige as a Duncan Keith or a Shea Weber, but Giordano is making a strong case for Norris consideration this season. If the Calgary Flames can hang on to stay in playoff contention, he'll have a good shot at becoming a first-time finalist.
2. Shea Weber: Nashville Predators
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My Previous Rankings: August - eighth, October - first
Current Stats: 30 GP, 6 G, 12 A, 18 PTS, +12
Making His Case: A Norris Trophy finalist in three of the last four seasons, Shea Weber's no longer the only star pony in the Nashville Predators' stable.
With goalie Pekka Rinne back from injury and rookie Filip Forsberg making a splash as a potential rookie of the year, new coach Peter Laviolette got the Predators off to a super start and has them in playoff contention through 30 games.
Captain Shea Weber not only eats up minutes and provides strong play on both sides of the puck, he also keeps making his defense partners better. In the past, Dan Hamhuis and Ryan Suter benefited from his tutelage. This year, Roman Josi is enjoying his mentorship.
If the Predators can make a strong finish in the tough Central Division, Weber could have a shot at his first Norris Trophy win in 2015.
1. Duncan Keith: Chicago Blackhawks
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My Previous Rankings: August - fourth, October - fourth
Current Stats: 31 GP, 6 G, 12 A, 18 PTS, +10
Making His Case: With his trademark smooth stride and tireless efficiency, 2014 Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks could become the first defenseman to win back-to-back titles since Nicklas Lidstrom's three-peat between 2006 and 2008.
The 'Hawks have played through a sluggish start and injuries to starting goaltender Corey Crawford without missing a beat. Their 9-1-0 run through their last 10 games has come, in no small part, due to outstanding play from their veteran defense corps.
Keith continues to lead the charge—seventh among all defensemen with 25:53 of average ice time as he goes about his duties with deceptive ease.
If Chicago's season continues to roll and the team looks poised to challenge for the Stanley Cup at the end of the regular season, Duncan Keith will be the man to beat for this year's Norris Trophy.
.png?w=480 "Playoff Winners and Losers")
