One of the biggest awards in the NHL to seemingly change the course of why it is presented is the James Norris Memorial Trophy, or the Norris Trophy. An award that has been given to the best all-around defensemen in recent years has been awarded to the best offensive defensemen. A worthy trophy, the league’s best defensemen battle it out with offensive production to win the only award given strictly to defensemen.
The award was named after James Norris, an American-Canadian businessman, who operated cattle and grain industries. He was once the owner of the Detroit Red Wings and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958. He passed away on December 4, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois.
Norris Trophy was a hockey original
The James Norris Memorial Trophy, an annual award, is “given to the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position.” The award has been awarded 61 times to 26 players since the award’s inception during the 1953-54 season.
The award was presented to the league by the four children of Norris in memory of their late father the NHL in 1953. Norris was the owner of the Detroit Red Wings from 1932-1952. The James Norris Memorial Trophy was first awarded to Red Wings defenseman Red Kelly in 1954. Kelly would finish third in team scoring with 16 goals and 33 assists for 49 points.
The award has been given out to players who have won the Norris Trophy more than once. Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins won the award for eight consecutive seasons from 1969-1975. Montreal Canadians defenseman Doug Harvey and Detroit Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom each have won the award seven times, while Boston Bruins legend defenseman Ray Bourque has won the Norris Trophy five times in his career. Last season, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche won the award.
While the award still focuses on the best offensive defensemen, some fans think it should go back to being awarded to the best overall defensemen. Of the players who have won the Norris Trophy, 19 are in the Hockey Hall of Fame. While Erik Karlsson seems to be the favorite, who is your favorite to take the award this season? Below are the top five candidates who are favorites to win the Norris Trophy this season.