The Captain’s Quest for Another Norris Trophy
He’s kind of flying under the radar, somehow, but Roman Josi is having another Norris Trophy caliber season through the first 25 games. He just posted a three-point game in the most recent Predators’ win over the Red Wings, putting him just shy of a point-per-game pace.
Josi is stoically leading this Nashville Predators team once again when they need him most. He doesn’t get nearly enough credit for being an MVP-caliber player, much less a Norris Trophy player.
Yes, there are some other really outstanding defensemen that also are in the Norris Trophy conversation that might in the end beat out Josi for his second in three seasons. However, it seems as if Josi isn’t even really getting much discussion for it:
Roman Josi just reminded everyone who doesn't have him on their Norris list that they should probably reconsider. #Preds up 2-0 over #LGRW
— Chad Minton (@chad_minton) December 8, 2021
Josi is tied for third with John Carlson among defensemen in points with 24. Victor Hedman and Adam Fox lead the way with 27 points. Although who has the most points plays a major part in it, it shouldn’t be the end all be all.
I’m not sure if Josi will be able to keep pace with Fox, Hedman and Carlson when it comes to points by season’s end. However, Josi’s makes just as big, if not bigger, impact on his own team than these other three.
It will be difficult for Josi to claim another Norris Trophy this season due to all the competition, and I do think Fox is the one defenseman I could fully understand getting it over Josi. However it ends, it’ll be an entertaining race to watch.