NHL: 25 worst award snubs in the history of hockey

25 Worst award snubs in NHL history: 10. Mike Green Norris Trophy 2009

Mike Green was the “Paul Coffey” of his time. He was one of, if not the best offensive defenseman in the league for a spell. His career’s peak didn’t last as long as Coffey, but he too was snubbed of the Norris Trophy.

In this era of defensemen, the offensive defenseman is not always appreciated like they should. Some are lifted up to new heights, like Victor Hedman or Brent Burns. Then, there are others like Dougie Hamilton or John Carlson who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Mike Green falls under that in 2009.

Green had more than a point per game in 2009. He had 31 goals as a defenseman. Green was the catalyst in the Washington Capitals playing so well that season. This wasn’t a Capitals team that was a guarantee to make the playoffs like they are now. Yet, this time, the Capitals won the Southeast Division.

This wasn’t the only snub that Mike Green felt in 2009. Late in the year, he was left off Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics. Again, a player who is good at offense is punished for being good at offense. However, this was the year of the Golden Goal, as they needed a Sidney Crosby overtime goal to win the gold medal. If the Canadians had Mike Green, he might have helped the team win the gold medal beforehand.