Erik Karlsson and P.K. Subban didn’t exactly “come out of nowhere” to win the Norris Trophy, but neither were among the pre-season favorites to win the award the last two years.
This season’s pre-season favorites to win the Norris are the usual suspects: Karlsson, Shea Weber, Zdeno Chara, Ryan Suter, Drew Doughty, etc. But there are others that should be everyone’s radar. Here are five Norris Trophy sleepers that could (or should) be in the discussion by the end of the season.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Coyotes
The fact that Ekman-Larsson isn’t yet a household name is a shame. He should have been a finalist for the Norris last season and he very well could be here in 2013-14. At 22 years of age and heading into his fourth season, the Phoenix Coyotes’ blue-liner is a star in the making. He may never be among the point leaders for defencemen, and that could hurt him coming from a small market. Ekman-Larsson may have all the makings of being a dominant presence for years down the road, but he’s already flashed that potential enough to be in the Norris conversation.
Alexander Edler, Canucks
Here’s another underrated Swedish defenceman. Edler is the Vancouver Canucks’ leader defensively and definitely the make-up to win the Norris if he puts it all together this season. Last season wasn’t his best showing, but in 2011-12 he posted 49 points in 82 games. A 50-point campaign wouldn’t be a surprise coming from Edler, however it may not take a big offensive output for him to turn heads. He is already regarded as a good two-way defenceman. If he finds another level under John Tortorella, don’t sleep on Edler becoming a finalist for the Norris.
Justin Faulk, Hurricanes
It’s going to be difficult for Faulk to be in the Norris conversation if he doesn’t light it up offensively for a Carolina Hurricanes team that may have trouble making the post-season. It’s time for fans around the league to realize just how good Faulk is, though. Due to the season-ending injury to Joni Pitkanen, the 21-year-old Faulk will likely lead the Hurricanes in ice time this season. His offensive prowess from the blue-line could result in a 50-point season (if not this campaign, then in the future). We’ve seen Karlsson and Subban edge Weber and Suter for the Norris thanks in part to their offensive numbers. A breakout season for Faulk could result in votes for the Norris.
Seth Jones, Predators
True, no rookie has ever won the Norris Trophy. The argument can be made, however, that no rookie defenceman has ever been as good as Jones is coming into the NHL. The fourth-overall pick from the 2013 draft hasn’t disappointed in his first three games with the Nashville Predators, averaging 23:07 of ice time and playing well beyond his age of 19. With Roman Josi sidelined due to a concussion, Jones is getting a chance to play alongside Weber. If Jones continues to excel, he’s going to garner attention for the Calder Trophy. But if Steve Mason can contend for the Vezina as a rookie (2009), why can’t Jones at least be in the discussion for Norris?
Lubomir Visnovsky, Islanders
When Visnovsky led all defencemen in the NHL with 68 points during the 2010-11 season, he finished fourth in the Norris Trophy voting. It was his best season to date as he’s struggled to stay healthy over the years. But Visnovsky is going to get a chance to put some points on Long Island in 2013-14. He’s getting almost as much power-play time as John Tavares and could have a big season if the man advantage improves from its 11th-ranked finish from 2012-13.
