Ranking the Top Candidates for the 2014-15 Norris Trophy

The James Norris Memorial Trophy is one of the NHL's truly prestigious awards.

Winning the Norris Trophy puts a defenseman in very select company. It is considered a major item in a Hall of Fame career. A player who wins more than one Norris Trophy is usually one of the two or three best defenders of his generation.

Since Nick Lidstrom retired, Erik Karlsson, P.K. Subban and Duncan Keith have taken turns winning the award.

For Keith, it was his second. For the other two men, it was the first of what they hope will be several.

There's a very real chance we see another first-time winner of the Norris Trophy in 2014-15, with all of the strong candidates so far this season fitting that mold. It is an exceptional list of talent, and all of these men are playing terrific hockey this season. 

5. Duncan Keith: Chicago Blackhawks

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Previous Ranking

Carol Schram's Bleacher Report ranking had Duncan Keith at No. 4 in the Norris Trophy race last month.

His Season So Far

So far this season, Keith and partner Brent Seabrook are dominating the possession game to a point where six of 10 shots are headed the other way when they're on the ice.

That's an exceptional number, and a major comfort for Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville.

Projection for 2014-15

Keith is getting a slight zone-start push but is facing tougher opposition. Factoring in those elements, he has to be considered a strong Norris candidate this season. 

4. Mark Giordano: Calgary Flames

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Previous Ranking

Mark Giordano was unranked in last month's ranking for the 2014-15 season.

His Season So Far

After performing at a high level for several years, Giordano is an overnight sensation. He leads all defensemen in points this year and is playing big minutes for the Flames.

His possession numbers are superior to Calgary's overall numbers, and Giordano paired with T.J Brodie is one of the league's best tandems. 

Projection for 2014-15

Giordano is having a career year and is definitely in contention for a Norris Trophy. An examination of his career numbers shows this isn't a one-year wonder, either, and he is full value for consideration. 

3. Shea Weber: Nashville Predators

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Previous Ranking

Shea Weber was ranked No. 1 overall in last month's Norris look by Carol Schram.

His Season So Far

Weber is at around 50 percent in the possession stats, but his team is at 53 percent this season.

He and partner Roman Josi are getting tough zone starts and facing tougher opponents, and he is among the leaders in goals by defensemen.

Projection for 2014-15

This has been a good start for Weber. He's playing well but is not driving possession beyond his team—something several of the players who are in contention for the Norris Trophy can boast this season.

He's worthy of consideration, but he has slipped in the last month. 

2. Ryan Suter: Minnesota Wild

Richard W. Rodriguez/Associated Press

Previous Ranking

Ryan Suter ranked No. 3 last month in Carol Schram's look at the Norris Trophy race for Bleacher Report.

His Season So Far

Suter leads NHL defensemen in time on ice per game, and he plays half a game every night.

That represents major cover for an NHL coach and makes the game easier to handle.

While playing those major minutes, Suter's Corsi For Percentage at even strength is close to 60, which is an outstanding number. He's also facing tougher opponents at even strength this season.

Projection for 2014-15

This could be the season Suter wins the Norris Trophy. His offensive numbers are respectable—and are not power-play aided—and the rest of his resume in 2014-15 is pristine.

Ryan Suter is enjoying a sensational year. 

1. Drew Doughty: Los Angeles Kings

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Previous Ranking

Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings came in at No. 5 last month.

His Season So Far

One of the first clues about Doughty's value comes from his time-on-ice totals, which rank second in the entire league.

His possession stats are brilliant, and even though the goals aren't coming often, he's still putting up points.

Projection for 2014-15

Doughty took some time to get into the offensive swing and that could impact his chances of winning the Norris Trophy this season.

The fact that he plays so many effective minutes means he's going to be a strong contender no matter the scoring totals, though.

All stats courtesy of NHL.com, behindthenet.ca and Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com