Mid-Season NHL Awards

Norris Trophy

Duncan Keith has found his game this season with the Chicago Blackhawks. The second round pick in 2002, Keith has been awesome on the blueline for the Hawks this season, leading all defenseman in the NHL with 42 points.

Keith has skated in all 45 games for Chicago this season. He’s scored 3 goals, but leads all defense with 39 assists. Keith has as many assists as second place scoring defenseman, and former Norris Trophy winner, Erik Karlsson has points on the season. The 39 assists ranks him third among skaters in the entire NHL.

Keith hasn’t only been a magnificent mover of the puck this season, but has gotten the job done in his own zone as well, ranking 6th among defenseman with a +18 rating. Keith has also done well in his own zone by taking only three penalties on the season. Keeping your defenseman out of the penalty box is a big deal nowadays in the NHL (just ask Dion Phaneuf and the Toronto Maple Leafs about it).

Similarly with Crosby and the Penguins, the Blackhawks could probably handle themselves without Duncan Keith, but the star defenseman is playing smart hockey this season and has a huge helping hand in the Hawks 29-7-9 record.