Ranking the Top Candidates for the 2015-16 Norris Trophy

The Norris Trophy given to the best defenseman in the NHL is a tight race, but a sophomore leads the race for the hardware.

And it's not the rookie defenseman who won the Calder Trophy last year.

There is plenty of competition in the 2015-16 season. A few of the familiar names are making a case for another piece of hardware, while some young and hungry competitors are having strong starts to the season.

Points is obviously a big part of this award, but merit is given to successful defending as well as the ability to play in all situations—including the less glorious penalty-kill unit.

Here are a few honorable mentions and the top seven candidates so far this season. Click ahead to see where your picks line up.

Feel free to leave your choices in the comment section.

Honorable Mentions

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Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens: He's challenging P.K. Subban for the title of top defenseman offensively but isn't quite as well-rounded. He has two goals and 15 points in 18 games.

Brent Seabrook, Chicago Blackhawks: When Duncan Keith was out with injury, Seabrook stepped up his offensive game. He has four goals and 13 points and is an all-situation defender.

Roman Josi, Nashville Predators: Josi is proving last year's breakout wasn't a fluke. He's on track for more than 60 points this season after a 55-point campaign a year ago.

7. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona Coyotes

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By the numbers: 18 games, three goals, 10 assists, 13 points, minus-one rating, one game-winner, 55 shots, 25:42 minutes per game.

What they mean: The Arizona Coyotes defenseman is playing the seventh-most minutes on average in the league and is among the top seven in points as well. He's Arizona's potent power-play quarterback.

Season projection: The 24-year-old had a strong season last year, putting up 23 goals and 43 points. But with Keith Yandle gone the entire year this time around and a good young group of forwards to feed, Ekman-Larsson should take another leap forward and hit the 50-point mark.

6. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

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By the numbers: 18 games, two goals, nine assists, 11 points, plus-five, one game-winner, 50 shots, 26:44 ice time.

What they mean: Doughty is again among the top minute men and finds himself in the cluster of second-tier scoring blueliners, just behind the elite and in the top 15 or 20 on the list.

Season projection: Goals and points have always been somewhat secondary for Doughty, who plays massive minutes and has been among the best possession players in the league for years. He’ll be right there among the top in minutes played and puck possession as usual and will have one of his better offensive seasons as well.

5. John Carlson, Washington Capitals

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By the numbers: 16 games, three goals, nine assists, 12 points, plus-one rating, one game-winner, 33 shots, 24:14 ice time per game.

What they mean: The Washington Capitals star is among the top 10 in points and top 20 in minutes for defensemen. In his seventh season and at just 25 years old, Carlson is the undisputed top dog for the Caps with Mike Green joining the Detroit Red Wings in free agency. He is handling the added responsibility well and playing in all situations.

Season projection: Carlson has been gradually building toward the title of franchise defenseman and has hit new heights in that role with the Capitals the past couple of seasons, especially with Green gone this year.

4. P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens

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By the numbers: 19 games, one goal, 16 assists, plus-11 rating, 48 shots, 24:31 ice time per game.

What they mean: Subban is among the league leaders in plus/minus and ranks second in assists. He is on pace to break the impressive 60-point mark he set as a career high last season.

Season projection: There aren’t nearly as many Subban critics these days. He’s constantly proving why he’s not only one of the most exciting defensemen in the game but also one of the most feared. He’s another top-end guy who will flirt with a 60-point season. 

3. Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wildf

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By the numbers: 17 games, two goals, 13 assists, 15 points, 39 shots, 27:26 average ice time.

What they mean: Suter is on a nearly point-per-game pace while averaging the most minutes of any player in the league.

Season projection: Suter’s offensive numbers are right up there in the top five this season. While he’s managed to put together a number of strong seasons before, he’s looking like he will put up career highs and finally get the respect he deserves after years of strong play.

2. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators

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By the numbers: 18 games, three goals, 15 points, plus-six rating, 42 shots, 26:53 ice time.

What they mean: Karlsson is averaging the third-highest minutes per game in the league for the Sens. The only knock on him might be the fact he’s not much of a penalty killer. He makes up for it by rarely leaving the ice on the power play.

Season projection: Karlsson has been one of the best offensive blueliners in the league for years, and there’s no reason this one will be any different. He’s grown into a better overall player and is one of the NHL’s top minute-munchers. He’ll be among the league’s top scoring defensemen with a chance to finish with 70 points. 

1. John Klingberg, Dallas Stars

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By the numbers: 19 games, four goals, 16 assists, 20 points, plus-10 rating, two game-winners, 37 shots, 23:20 average ice time.

What they mean: Klingberg is the surprise leader in the points by a defenseman, although the word "surprise" should be used loosely given his solid performance as a rookie last season. His assist total is the second-best regardless of position played, and he’s tied for fourth in total points. His plus/minus is seventh-best.

Season projection: Klingberg was not among the finalists for the Calder Trophy last year, but the rookie phenomenon might have actually been the best defenseman in the class. Winner Aaron Ekblad got more votes based on his age; however, there’s no question now that Klingberg is the real deal on defense. He is surrounded by so much offensive talent that he should be able to rack up a 50-point season—maybe even 60.

All statistics via NHL.com. Advanced stats from Puckalytics.com.