Half-Season Awards: James Norris

[Phrasing]

This board is so funny the longer you're around. I've seen the same arguments used for and against players at this point and it makes me laugh.

On the one hand, Makar has been singled out by Canucks or Rangers fans for not being on the PK. For not scoring more than their forwards. For being injured and not scoring as much. Even when it's only say... 10 games.

Then you get to see the same arguments used the opposite way. Why should Hughes PK when it's less valuable why. Why do the injuries matter when pace is there. He's the leasing scorer, he's so great!

Here's what matters to voters...

Games Played
Total Points (Goals > Assists)
Defensive impact
Reputation
Playoff team

If Hughes remains injured, pace is irrelevant if Makar doesn't and scores more.

If Makar keeps up the goals, those are worth more than Assists.

If Makar keeps being a stud defensively, it's irrelevant what Hughes metrics or his hype train says. Makar is still a top defender in his own zone.

Makar has the reputation, more than Hughes in fact.

His team is a playoff team. And he was out scoring the current league leading player a dozen games into the season. Buts it's not his fault Canucks don't HAVE a MacKinnon or Rantanen.

Simple enough... So yeah, Makar easily right now. Could be Hughes easily if Makar had been the one injured instead.

I think it’s Hughes injury considered, not in spite of it. But I’m definitely not going to convince you with your salient and coherent rant.

 

[HockeyWooot]

Makar’s to lose as of today based on how voters vote.

By the end of year I think there’s a decent chance Hughes will surpass him and take it though.

 

[WetcoastOrca]

Hughes based on all round game. I think he’s also a Hart finalist.

 

[Mez]

I think it has to be Hughes at this point. my second would be Werenski, then Makar 3rd.

 

[wetcoast]

I think it has to be Hughes at this point. my second would be Werenski, then Makar 3rd.

I think that your second place vote would really stand out at this point.

I like Zach and maybe he get's some first time votes but there is right now a significant gap between the 2 frontrunners and Zach who is alone in 3rd.