Players Push for Split Norris Trophy Amidst Defensive Excellence
In a recent NHL Players Poll, a notable discussion emerged surrounding the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s top defenseman. Respondents overwhelmingly expressed a desire for a split award, reflecting a growing sentiment that the current system undervalues true defensive prowess in favor of offensive output. The situation prompted lively debates, especially regarding Adam Fox, whom players humorously likened to a more glamorous version of Torey Krug.
The Shift in Norris Trophy Criteria
Traditionally, the Norris Trophy has leaned heavily towards rewarding defensemen who excel in scoring, often sidelining those who truly embody the defensive aspect of the game. Players voiced their frustrations, pointing out that the award has become synonymous with high point totals rather than defensive impact. Notably, Fox and Erik Karlsson were highlighted as examples of players whose defensive responsibilities often take a backseat to their offensive contributions. In fact, one player jokingly referred to Karlsson as a forward, underlining the growing disconnect between the award and its intended purpose.
The Challenge of Evaluating Defense
One significant issue raised by players is the lack of effective metrics to evaluate defensive performance. Carolina’s Jaccob Slavin, for instance, was cited as a player whose contributions go beyond traditional statistics, making him a challenge to measure. The complexities of goaltending and team systems further complicate the evaluation of defensemen. For example, a defenseman’s performance may be skewed by the quality of the goaltender behind them, making it difficult to assess their true impact.
To provide a clearer picture, advanced metrics can offer insight into how defensemen limit quality scoring chances. Expected goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 serves as a useful tool in this analysis, identifying players who excel at minimizing not just attempts, but high-quality chances. According to data from NaturalStatTrick.com, the top-performing defensemen in this metric include:
Nate Schmidt – 1.83
Jonas Siegenthaler – 1.88
Jordan Spence – 1.91
Vladislav Gavrikov – 1.93
Artem Zub – 1.95
Contextualizing Defensive Contributions
However, simply handing the Norris Trophy to the player with the best metrics isn’t straightforward. Context plays a crucial role in understanding a defenseman’s contributions. The starting zones of players can significantly influence their ability to limit chances against. For instance, Schmidt began 56% of his shifts in the offensive zone, while Siegenthaler only started 34% of his shifts there. This disparity highlights the challenges certain players face, as those starting closer to their own net are often tasked with tougher responsibilities.
Additionally, evaluating relative expected goals against provides a deeper understanding of a defenseman’s effectiveness compared to their team’s overall performance. The players with the best relative numbers at 5-on-5 include:
Adam Pelech – -0.74
Artem Zub – -0.69
Jonas Siegenthaler – -0.58
Ryan Graves – 0.55
Justin Barron – -0.54
Interestingly, Fox ranks sixth on this list despite his high offensive zone starts, which may challenge some players’ perceptions of his defensive capabilities.
Zub and Siegenthaler: True Defensive Stalwarts
Both Zub and Siegenthaler consistently faced challenging matchups, often starting shifts close to their own net. Their ability to limit scoring chances while outperforming their teammates in defensive metrics positions them as prime candidates for any reimagined Norris Trophy. They truly embody the essence of defensive hockey, showcasing skills that are often overshadowed by high-scoring peers.
As discussions continue about the future of the Norris Trophy, players like Zub and Siegenthaler represent the type of defensive excellence that could redefine the award’s parameters, ensuring that true defensive contributions receive the recognition they deserve.
