Deadspin presents the Two-Thirds Through the Season NHL Awards
As the NHL season reaches its two-thirds mark, it’s time to start thinking about who will be taking home some of the league’s most prestigious awards. Deadspin has compiled a list of potential winners, starting with the Norris Trophy for the league’s best defenseman.
One clear frontrunner for the Norris Trophy is Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes has been a standout performer this season, leading all defensemen in scoring while also excelling in his defensive responsibilities. Teams have struggled to get past Hughes when trying to enter the Canucks’ zone, making him a key player on both ends of the ice.
While Hughes’ possession metrics may not be the best, his offensive production more than makes up for it. With the potential to reach over 100 points from the blue line, Hughes has made a strong case for himself as the top defenseman in the league.
Joining Hughes as finalists for the Norris Trophy are Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers. Makar has been a consistent performer and is likely to be a contender for the award for years to come. Ekblad, on the other hand, has been a bit of a dark horse in the race, but his ability to control play and contribute to his team’s success has not gone unnoticed.
As the season continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the race for the Norris Trophy and other NHL awards plays out. With so many talented players vying for recognition, fans can expect some fierce competition in the final stretch of the season. Stay tuned to Deadspin for updates on all the latest NHL award news.
