Early Norris trophy candidates?

[Gordon Lightfoot]

and some how people will find a way to hate him no matter how good nurse plays

I really doubt many people are focused on hating Darnell Nurse. Flames fans, maybe.

 

[The Macho King]

I agree with you, but he will more than likely be top 3 in D scoring and get a nomination.

In all fairness to him, he has been much better defensively since we have got out pairings sorted.

Plenty of times top scoring D who are truly bad defensively don't get nominated. It's happened to Yandle, Vishnovsky, and plenty of others.

Hughes' bad year has gotten plenty of press despite his point totals. He's not going to win the green jacket *and* get a Norris nom.

 

[ChaoticOrange]

Agreed Hedman,
I heard someone say Makar’s minutes are sheltered and favourable ozone starts., haven’t checked if true.

probably, but in fairness that's 100% the correct way to use a young offensive defenceman.

 

[HugginThePost]

Nobody hates Nurse, he just isn't good enough to be in this conversation yet.

Of the categories I examined above, he was above those 5 players in 1 category - GF/60. I wonder if that has something to do with being on the ice with 2 generational players? He was easily the worst in most of the "against" stats, such as expected goals against and corsi against.

I'll say it again, the pendulum swings massively on HFOil.

In the first 9 games, they were ready to shoot him into the moon. The same complaint as always, "all the tools, no toolbox". I won't even get into how HFOil has railed on the guy for his entire career there.

He's had a great 12 games, buoyed by playing with McDrai, but this is the norm.

He's looked better than he ever has, but let's pump the brakes on Norris talk.

As to the question......Makar and Hedman are the front runners for sure.

 

[The Abusement Park]

I think Hedman, Makar, and McAvoy are the clear leaders at this point.

 

[BlueMed]

McAvoy is solid but not elite.

 

[Scorcho]

rooting for makar

 

[barkovcanfinnish]

i doubt he'd win it but i definitely think Ekblad should be in the convo considering the year he's had so far

 

[13th Floor]

I guess to answer OP, the Norris favorite at the moment is Makar.

If the question was who's the best defenseman in the game at this very moment (so not looking at age, contract, etc.), then I take Hedman 10 times out of 10.

 

[BCNate]

Plenty of times top scoring D who are truly bad defensively don't get nominated. It's happened to Yandle, Vishnovsky, and plenty of others.

Hughes' bad year has gotten plenty of press despite his point totals. He's not going to win the green jacket *and* get a Norris nom.

Yes, let's name off a bunch of .5 PPG D as comparisons. Well done.

 

[The Kingslayer]

I guess to answer OP, the Norris favorite at the moment is Makar.

If the question was who's the best defenseman in the game at this very moment (so not looking at age, contract, etc.), then I take Hedman 10 times out of 10.

I would agree with this.

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Yep, I never thought I'd say this, but Darnell Nurse absolutely should be in the conversation right now. I wouldn't have him winning, but it's not a stretch to say he's been top 5 so far.

Watching him vs the Jets this season, I’d say he looks pretty damn good.

 

[ChaoticOrange]

Watching him vs the Jets this season, I’d say he looks pretty damn good.

I've been pretty impressed with Pionk on your side. He's a massive pain in the ass and I say that positively.

 

[Dicky113]

Hedman and McAvoy. hedman likely in front due to earned reputation.

 

[The Worst One]

Pretty sure joe Thornton said matthews deserves it, and who am I to doubt joe Thornton

Joe can shut the f*** up as he hasn't won a god damn thing in this league.

 

[Dicky113]

McAvoy is solid but not elite.

Nah. He’s elite.
The way he has put that defense corp on his back this season in absence of chara and krug has been astounding. I think he’s 1a/1b with hedman.

 

[Bandit]

Hedman, Makar at the top. Doughty will get votes if he keeps this up and LA makes the playoffs. McAvoy, Petry , and Maybe Nurse close by.

Interesting that Doughty is the only one that needs to keep it up.

 

[danpantz]

Interesting that Doughty is the only one that needs to keep it up.

I meant in terms of his return too being elite. Had a few down years there.

 

[Regal]

Plenty of times top scoring D who are truly bad defensively don't get nominated. It's happened to Yandle, Vishnovsky, and plenty of others.

Hughes' bad year has gotten plenty of press despite his point totals. He's not going to win the green jacket *and* get a Norris nom.

I think the early bad press and shortened season would probably be too much to overcome, but he's righted the ship again defensively. I doubt he comes close to the green jacket.

 

[Bedards Dad]

I think you can throw all of McAvoy, Nurse, Petry, Rielly, and Makar in the "deserving of a look" pile but none of them have the same clout that Hedman does and he'll get the votes based on name and history, fairly or unfairly.

Are you talking about Mike Rielly? Because Morgan Rielly is nowhere near the conversation this year. I also don't think Petry is, a hot start doesn't make a Norris Dman.

 

[Northern Avs Fan]

My guess is one of

Hedman, Makar, McAvoy, or Theadore will win it.

It’s still early though and a lot can change.

 

[Connor McConnor]

Hedman and Makar seem to be clearly ahead of the pack, I think Doughty is getting overrated but he is likely 3rd atm. I like Nurse in the top 5 atleast

 

[Connor McConnor]

Interesting that Doughty is the only one that needs to keep it up.

Doughty plays against some of the worst offensive teams in the NHL on a regular basis. If we want to talk about how the North plays 0 defence and the offensive players should get an asterisk then let’s talk about a division where you could combine 4 teams top 6 forwards and probably not even come out with 1 that make another teams top line

 

[Frankie Blueberries]

Where would people rate Chychrun?
I haven't followed his play closely, but have him on my fantasy roster and he's been spectacular for points this year.

 

[PB37]

1st tier: Hedman

2nd tier: Maker/McAvoy

3rd tier: Nurse/Petry/Doughty

Would be how i have it.