Storm brews between defencemen Roman Joshi and Cale Makar for 2022-23 Norris Trophy Award


Storm brews between defencemen Roman Joshi and Cale Makar for 2022-23 Norris Trophy Award

Roman Joshi and Cale Makar

After the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in June, Cale Makar successfully came to be known as the most successful defenceman of his generation. But it must be noted that Roman Joshi is only 2nd in line.

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Makar not only won the Stanley Cup with the team, but he also bagged the Calder Trophy during his rookie year, the Conn Smythe Trophy, and even won the Norris Trophy.

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Cale Makar likely to face strong contenders for Norris Trophy this season

Cale Makar and other Norris Trophy candidates
Cale Makar and other Norris Trophy candidates

After his debut in the limelight, Cale Makar has never made a play where he didn’t showcase his Grade A playstyle on ice. His puck control and deceptive power-plays have captured the hearts of many fans.

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Undoubtedly he is one of the top favorites for winning the Norris Trophy this year. During the playoffs, he posted 29 points in 20 games and 89 points in 77 regular-season plays.

He’ll break Norris honoree Nicklas Lidstrom’s record if he takes the Norris trophy home this year. Considering his record, defenceman Roman Joshi is not too far behind. 

Makar won the trophy with 1,631 points whereas Joshi is behind by only 1,606 points. Comparison between the two is quite natural looking at the stats. Makar led the defenceman by 28 goals, but we can’t forget Joshi’s 96 historical points.

Joshi grasped Phil Housley’s record of scoring 97 points as a blueliner with the Winnipeg Jets in 1992-92. Joshi, for his plays, is often referred to as the “most valuable player” of the Nashville Predators. He also took home the trophy in 2020 and is expected to be one of the top favorites to win the award this season.

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Top 5 Norris Trophy favorites listed in 2022-23 are:

  1. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
  2. Roman Joshi, Nashville Predators
  3. Jaccob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes
  4. Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning
  5. Thomas Chabot, Ottawa Senators

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