Knowing how much Norris' two-way game in specific has grown exponentially over the season is something you cant pass on.
He went from being a rookie that got abused on most nights, and 40 games later hes in full beast mode and thriving at being the #1C (on a team that goes power-on-power for preferred matchups). Hes going to spend his entire career matching up against the leagues top centers and be very good at it. Hes got the IQ and fantastic positioning, the elite skating, and the God-given athletic talents (he won like 5 separate events at the draft combine) to battle with the best in the world as an elite two-way centerman.
I used to think his offensive toolbox was solid but not spectacular, and that he was always going to be limited to a 2/3 role in the NHL. But his wrist shot is an absolute laser beam and elite NHL caliber, and has the one-timer ability as well. And while his vision may not be what we would call "elite" in the #1 playmaking center definition, its still really damn good.
His hockey IQ is undoubtedly much better than he was given credit for prior to this year. And there isnt nearly a big enough gap between Suzuki and him offensively to make up for Norris' superior defensive acumen.
