Norris Trophy

  For our second round of award voting we present the James Norris Memorial Trophy.  The Norris is awarded to the defensman who represents the greatest overall ability in the position.  Here are your nominees.

1.  Aaron Ekblad - Florida Panthers

Ekblad was nominated for this award last year and lost out to Adam Fox.  Two Hart and two Norris nominations in two seasons speaks volumes to the value Aaron Ekblad brings to the Panthers.  He led all defensemen with 83 points and 20 goals.  He finsished with 109 blocked shots, 106 hits and 162 shots on goal.  He ammassed only 62 penalty minutes and finished a plus 21 despite playing in the toughest division in TUFHL.  Ice time 25:31 per game

2.  Devon Toews - Montreal Canadiens

Devon Toews had decent numbers considering the 1st line was a mainly defensive line most of the season until the acquisition of O'Reilly at the deadline.  Damon Severson had a similar season and could have also been nominated but he did it on the second line.  15 goals, 74 points and a plus 8, Toews exemplified the what it means to be a captain in Montreal.  129 blocked shots, 183 shots on goal and 151 hits.  Toews took 74 penalty minutes and had puck control over 17% of his time on the ice.  He did all this with Nate Schmidt as his partner.  Ice time 25:34 per game.

3.  Thomas Chabot - Colorado Avalanche

Chabot was acquired by the Avs near the deadline and had an immediate impact.  75 points this year with the Sens/Avs.  He was the least penalized of our nominees with only 53 minutes in the box.  A very consistent player, Chabot took 131 shots on goal, blocked 114 shots, and threw 117 hits.  He finished the year a plus 3 and was a pillar in the back end giving guys like McDavid and McKinnon the defensive peace of mind they needed to play their aggressive offensive style.  Thomas Chabot controlled the puck over 17% of his time in Ottawa.  That number dropped in Colorado but hey, why hold onto the puck when you can pass it to Ovechkin, or McJesus.  Ice time approx 25:30 per game.