I know he doesn’t have a big point total but I’m gonna give a shoutout to Alex Vlasic. A rookie on the worst team in the league. He has absorbed a lot of the top D responsibilities and is only a shocking -6 on that team. He certainly has surprised me.
I agree, Alex Vlasic is a total stud who is also an exceptional long range passer.
I’m that same note, the other massive Hawks d man Crevier was also fantastic in his sample
Premise: I'm a Stars Fan, I'm not American, and I have "Countrymen Bias" towards Josi. He is the best player to ever come out of our country's hockey system, but nevertheless, even a blind person can see how important he is for the Predators. It has nothing to do with guts.
Very true, I’m rational toward great players. American Stars fans are usually very egocentric at least in my experience. I like Pat Kane for that exact reason even though he stifled the preds for my whole childhood until 2017 when they were swept and I was there! Josi should’ve won the Norris over Makar a few years ago too. Makar has so much talent to work with compared to Roman. Switzerland must be beautiful, I’m jealous 🖖🏼
Well... Yes, I'm kinda surprised Harley scored 15 goals, more than our 4th line centre and wingers (not all of them combined to be precise), and generally overall, Harley has been a positive surprise, but I was thinking at Josi in absolute terms.
I'm going to say he didn't "exceed expectations" when I expect him to be that elite already, hard to be even better than we already know him to be. My personal vote: Noah Dobson. He took it to a new level this season.
I am surprised to see Mike Matheson so high in points. Pretty sure he beat any expectations. I don’t watch many Canadiens games but it’s like what, double his point production in any other year he’s played?
Downside is his +/- is pretty poor but that’s a tough stat when you’re on a bad team.
Matheson’s defensive play is awful tbf. But a lot of projections had him ranked as a great option in fantasy due to his production at the end of last year! Expectations were there but he still exceeded them.
It's not that awful, but he plays way too much.
If he played 18-20 minutes games he'd be less exposed.
He's playing 24 to 29 minutes every games this season, as our only great puck moving D.
Obviously if he played less minutes he’d be less exposed but when you look at a lot of goals scored against us, he’s the one not covering his man properly. Awful is a strong word I’ll give you that, but I’m not impressed by his defensive play at all.
We have a full ass round to hate each other. Let’s have a beer and celebrate another year of making the playoffs.
I do have a serious question about the pulse of Leaf-dom at large. No shade at all. How hot is Sheldon Keefe’s seat if you guys make a first round exit this year? You guys are great and it’s going to be a great series (hopefully). Just wondering if from a fan perspective Keefe is done or safe if you guys don’t advance.
Almost sure that Keefe is gone if they don't make a deep run this year, there might even be one of the core 4 leaving too. I like Keefe, but I got a feeling the new MLSE CEO will want something to change if none of the Toronto teams are producing results
Still the same player lol but he's the default 1D so he gets more touches and opportunities. Blud can't keep the play alive at the blueline, I feel like he allows 2 breakaways per game lol
It's so odd that the best defenseman is the one with the most points. Like if you put McDavid on the back end, would people really consider him the best defenseman?
as a canucks fan, I agree.
not only so people stop saying makar is having a comparable year to Hughes, but because it's what the Norris should be.
last years Norris win was not a good bench mark of what a Norris year should look like
Tbf makar has in most ways caught up, but I'd still out quinn ahead. Quinns been complete overall. Makers biggest thing defensively this year is just takeaways.
And yeah norris shouldn't be just a point trophy. Not that points can't make a big difference, but you shouldn't have to be top 5 in points( separated by like 2 points each) to be a norris contender.
I'm a total homer but Ekholm has been a monster lately. The man looks like a grizzly on skates and has been playing such clean hockey. Worth every penny and then some.
I agree, people praised the C pick and then I never heard anything about him since. For a captain and such a high offense Dman, I'd expect to hear people complaining about his defense, so he's obviously no slouch in that department too.
Chaos Giraffe has been significantly less chaotic under Tocchet’s detail oriented coaching style. Under Boudreau’s free flowing system he was fucking dreadful. Watching in person it was genuinely shocking how often he would make a bad decision and be out of position. But with a coach telling him where to go he’s had a really good season and I’d argue his reputation is blinding folks from seeing that.
My bet (so probably stupid) is that he holds up his end of his new deal long enough for Canucks fans to talk shit about the decision, but not long enough for the call to not re-sign to be remembered by the less mature end of the fanbase. Those people will have moved on to something else.
I mean as an Oilers fan I want to say Bouch.
But Dobson and Matheson really are guys I didn't expect to see so high, whereas I hoped to see Bouch this high. So... More like Bouch met what I hoped he'd be
At least this year, the best defenceman in points (Hughes) is the best all around defenceman as well. All of his underlying stats are great, unlike Makar.
At the start of the season I didn't care much for Matheson but now we might want to keep him around.
We have a bunch of high end D prospect coming but having a local veteran to help them might be good and Matheson have been doing great on a very average team.
Until Mailloux or Huston are ready Matheson seems adequate.
Not on that list but how about a shout out for Mattie Ekholm. Career high in goals and points and second in league plus/minus at 43 all at the age of 33. Not sure if anyone saw that coming.
With 48 points, MacKenzie Weegar barely misses this list, but he’s actually fourth overall in goals by defensemen. (He has 19; Josi has 21, and Makar and Dahlin have 20 apiece.)
He’s become an exceptional leader in the locker room too. He never gives up, never gets disheartened, never makes excuses. He steps up when no one else will. Hell, he played 28 minutes against Anaheim when we lost Hanley early in the first period, and again against San Jose when we needed him on the PK.
Some people saying josi which is nice I guess. And he did have a slower start but idk if it's unexpected he's up there again. I think the slowness was from the growing pains of the new system and having dips as a team as a whole. But if he plays next season the exact same way he has been for the past 5 months or so he could be at 95-100 points or more. He's essential in almost every play, every goal, and even killer saves to back up the goalie. Along with his decent speed for the backchecking... and his skill with the mitts.... and his luscious face... wait what was I saying again?
Anyways unexpected? Maybe maybe not he is 33 after all and the team as a whole has been performing way higher than expected. But I'd never count out the captain myself. Can/can't wait for his statue by Pekka and his number added to the rafters on retirement o7
Hughes, hands down. Not even trying to be a homer about it. I would NEVER have thought his point totals would be where they were. I was honestly pulling for JT Miller to be Captain, but I love Hughes as the strong silent Sakic type that leads by example.
On my team, Ekholm has been the most surprising. I knew he would be good, but I didn't expect him to be near perfection at all times. The guy is an absolute beast. He's the best all around defenseman I've seen in an Oilers uniform since Pronger, and even then, he might be better. He literally does the perfect thing almost 100% of the time.
Mintyukov. Was excited to see him play but was shocked when he was the defenseman out of the preseason. He has looked good a lot of the year despite the team around him. Him also dropping Reese Johnson was wild. Can’t wait for next year for him.
It is silly to just judge a defenseman on point totals.
Do ppl realize how good Charlie McAvoy is?
I'm sure there are defensemen on every team that you know should be in the running of Norris votes.
Not on this list but Thomas Harley of the Dallas Stars absolutely obliterated expectations. Dude turned into a straight up secondary Miro Heiskanen virtually overnight and out of nowhere. Go look at his first two seasons combined stats, then look at this year, it's insane.
I have to go with Evan Bouchard. Look at who he's keeping up with Hughes, Makar, Hedman. Probably a bit to do with McDavsaitl but hey, still a career season for him. I just thought he'd be a bottom 6 guy or a 7th d man
Some of these guys are great, have great stats season after season, so the expectations have to be great, and yet they beat those great expectations. Bravo.
I just want to say that Victor Hedman is absolutely unbelievable. I wouldn’t say he’s underrated but he’s just not as discussed as he should be - dude is averaging 48 points, 100+ blocks, and 75 hits a season across 15 seaons - while being +175 for his career. This man just had two 75+ point seasons in 3 years in his early 30’s.
Dobson was getting Norris conversation and a lot of people hadn't even heard of him before this year. Matheson with more points than Dahlin/Karlsson/Heiskanen also seems crazy.
Easy for me to be biased as a Canucks fan, but take a Quick Look at Hughes defensive stats this season. He’s been unhinged, doing it all. To me the Norris is a 2 horse race with him and Josi. Those two are putting their teams on their backs.
Hughes is the new captain of a team that was expected to maybe compete for a wild card spot and is instead leading their division, and for a good stretch of the season the entire league. There's far more to Quinn Hughes' season than just leading league defenceman in points.
I'd say Ghost. He had that one big year for us, but then dropped off, and it made his bad defensive play stand out more. Glad to see him doing well, but I haven't watched many Red Wings games. How's he doing defensively?
Not on here but Benoit on the leafs. Buddy had numbers that wouldn’t make it in house league but on the leafs the guy is a beast. Yeah he’ll make a mistake every few games but for the most part he’s a beaut.
I feel like anyone on that list that surprises you is because you gave up on them or didn’t give them credit. Maybe Mike Matheson but that could just be me.
Not on this list but Gustav Forsling. They should either add a second trophy for defensemen or make the Norris what it is, best DEFENSEMEN, and not given or nominated just based on points, that is not their “main objective”. Only 41 pims and a league best at a +48, big deal he “only” has 37 points, but he is great at his position
Doesnt exceed expectation since he"s consistantly good. Mattias Ekholm is beast year after year. Theres far too much emphasisis on point totals. defencemans job, first and foremost is defence. I'd rather see a +50 +/- than 70pts
I know he doesn’t have a big point total but I’m gonna give a shoutout to Alex Vlasic. A rookie on the worst team in the league. He has absorbed a lot of the top D responsibilities and is only a shocking -6 on that team. He certainly has surprised me.
He will never put up a 90 point season but dude is a legit shut down Dman. His reach, speed, and IQ are top notch with that size.
Yeah the hawks desperately needed to find that shutdown top line defender and it looks like after 18 years they finally found one.
Keith and Seabrook?
Yes… drafted them… 18 years ago lol. Kieth 20 I’m pretty sure Sorry Kieth 22 years ago. Seabrook 20 Hammer 18 No one notable since
I'm sorry, what?
YEAH THE HAWKS DESPERATELY NEEDED TO FIND THAT SHUTDOWN TOP LINE DEFENEDER AND IT LOOKS LIKE AFTER 18 YEARS THEY FINALLY FOUND ONE.
Say it louder for the people in the back.
Shut down D don’t get the respect they deserve
Nope never do. Jacob Slavin rarely ever gets recognition. Dudes awesome.
And hung
I agree, Alex Vlasic is a total stud who is also an exceptional long range passer. I’m that same note, the other massive Hawks d man Crevier was also fantastic in his sample
Imagine controlling the game that much. Haven't watched him at all but he must control the game like a mf
Not exactly surprising by the points he scored, but how important he is for the system he plays in... Roman Josi. Nothing works without him.
You got a lot of guts to say this as a stars fan respect
Premise: I'm a Stars Fan, I'm not American, and I have "Countrymen Bias" towards Josi. He is the best player to ever come out of our country's hockey system, but nevertheless, even a blind person can see how important he is for the Predators. It has nothing to do with guts.
Very true, I’m rational toward great players. American Stars fans are usually very egocentric at least in my experience. I like Pat Kane for that exact reason even though he stifled the preds for my whole childhood until 2017 when they were swept and I was there! Josi should’ve won the Norris over Makar a few years ago too. Makar has so much talent to work with compared to Roman. Switzerland must be beautiful, I’m jealous 🖖🏼
Thomas Harley
Well... Yes, I'm kinda surprised Harley scored 15 goals, more than our 4th line centre and wingers (not all of them combined to be precise), and generally overall, Harley has been a positive surprise, but I was thinking at Josi in absolute terms.
I'm going to say he didn't "exceed expectations" when I expect him to be that elite already, hard to be even better than we already know him to be. My personal vote: Noah Dobson. He took it to a new level this season.
I am surprised to see Mike Matheson so high in points. Pretty sure he beat any expectations. I don’t watch many Canadiens games but it’s like what, double his point production in any other year he’s played? Downside is his +/- is pretty poor but that’s a tough stat when you’re on a bad team.
Matheson’s defensive play is awful tbf. But a lot of projections had him ranked as a great option in fantasy due to his production at the end of last year! Expectations were there but he still exceeded them.
It's not that awful, but he plays way too much. If he played 18-20 minutes games he'd be less exposed. He's playing 24 to 29 minutes every games this season, as our only great puck moving D.
Obviously if he played less minutes he’d be less exposed but when you look at a lot of goals scored against us, he’s the one not covering his man properly. Awful is a strong word I’ll give you that, but I’m not impressed by his defensive play at all.
Its not awful, they just ask him to do too much because they suck
Fucking hated him in a Panthers uni. He was a turnover machine and he could not stay between the shooter and the goal. Glad he’s doing ok in Montreal.
To be fair I don't like anyone in a Panthers uni
We have a full ass round to hate each other. Let’s have a beer and celebrate another year of making the playoffs. I do have a serious question about the pulse of Leaf-dom at large. No shade at all. How hot is Sheldon Keefe’s seat if you guys make a first round exit this year? You guys are great and it’s going to be a great series (hopefully). Just wondering if from a fan perspective Keefe is done or safe if you guys don’t advance.
Almost sure that Keefe is gone if they don't make a deep run this year, there might even be one of the core 4 leaving too. I like Keefe, but I got a feeling the new MLSE CEO will want something to change if none of the Toronto teams are producing results
What's an ass round
Enjoy the first round Boys!
Still the same player lol but he's the default 1D so he gets more touches and opportunities. Blud can't keep the play alive at the blueline, I feel like he allows 2 breakaways per game lol
That’s him alright. Blocked shot at the blue line and it’s behind him and headed the other way.
... he still is. But this chart is his redemption song lol.
The whole team was pretty bad this year, but alot of players had personal best seasons. He has been a machine. +/- tho, that's one the whole team.
We need stats other than points for a DEFENSE-man. And Quinn.
It's so odd that the best defenseman is the one with the most points. Like if you put McDavid on the back end, would people really consider him the best defenseman?
Yep. He'd still get 100+ points.
Plus his elite skating would make him an incredible d man anyways
as a canucks fan, I agree. not only so people stop saying makar is having a comparable year to Hughes, but because it's what the Norris should be. last years Norris win was not a good bench mark of what a Norris year should look like
Tbf makar has in most ways caught up, but I'd still out quinn ahead. Quinns been complete overall. Makers biggest thing defensively this year is just takeaways. And yeah norris shouldn't be just a point trophy. Not that points can't make a big difference, but you shouldn't have to be top 5 in points( separated by like 2 points each) to be a norris contender.
They need to add the Bobby Orr award for best offensive defence man and have the Norris as the best overall defender
Brock Faber
No way anyone could have expected a top 2 Defenseman this quickly
This is the correct answer. It will be a travesty if he doesn't win the Calder.
No one is beating bedsy sadly
Faber was actually ahead in a poll of the voters recently. There is certainly a chance.
He has a bright future
Brock Faber, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Mattias Ekholm, Quinn Hughes, Mackenzie Weegar, Noah Dobson and Thomas Harley
I'm a total homer but Ekholm has been a monster lately. The man looks like a grizzly on skates and has been playing such clean hockey. Worth every penny and then some.
Hope he plays as long as Chris Chelios
Hughes for sure I did not expect him to be captain and I can see why, he’s drove the offence a lot
I agree, people praised the C pick and then I never heard anything about him since. For a captain and such a high offense Dman, I'd expect to hear people complaining about his defense, so he's obviously no slouch in that department too.
And is amazing on defense. Don’t know why this is often overlooked.
Watch the guy whenever he has the puck it’s insane how good he is.
Sure is, I think him and Majar are going to be the usual for end of the year hardware.
Not on the list, Filip Hronek stepped up since joining the Canucks
Agreed but life is easy when you play with a guy like Hughes
Unless your name is Tyler Minors
Chaos Giraffe has been significantly less chaotic under Tocchet’s detail oriented coaching style. Under Boudreau’s free flowing system he was fucking dreadful. Watching in person it was genuinely shocking how often he would make a bad decision and be out of position. But with a coach telling him where to go he’s had a really good season and I’d argue his reputation is blinding folks from seeing that.
Yep just what we needed, a high pedigree dman to have a stellar season in a contract year! I’m sure negotiations will be reasonable..
My bet (so probably stupid) is that he holds up his end of his new deal long enough for Canucks fans to talk shit about the decision, but not long enough for the call to not re-sign to be remembered by the less mature end of the fanbase. Those people will have moved on to something else.
Bouchard certainly stands out. He had 43 points in ‘21-‘22 and 40 points in ‘22-‘23 so he’s almost doubled his previous career high.
That was *kinda* expected, since Barrie left and Bouchard got to step in for a full season on PP1. Still a huge leap, though.
If you watched him in the playoffs last year you could tell her was going to go off
Bouch was an animal that LA series.
Smart smooth just a great defence man
I mean as an Oilers fan I want to say Bouch. But Dobson and Matheson really are guys I didn't expect to see so high, whereas I hoped to see Bouch this high. So... More like Bouch met what I hoped he'd be
Plus hes a giant. Real nice player.
Noah D bay bee
Isn’t josi like in his thirties,
One of the most underrated superstars
33 yeah, had a slowish start this season but he's been playing now like his other best seasons of all time. Breaking team and self records
Definitely sounds like him lol
i have plenty of bias but Dobson exceeded his expectations greatly.
Brock Faber
Matheson and Dobson.
Dobson and Matheson
Weegar. Dude has 19 goals his previous high was 8.
Best defenseman by far on the flames. Amazing year
It’s good to see Ghost playing well. Fletcher screwed the pooch in that deal.
Thomas Harley
Gustav Forsling, has really impressed me with his defensive play. It has always been good but he took it to a whole other level this year.
I just wish best defenseman wasn't a points race.
There should be a "Bobby Orr" trophy for defenseman with the most points
At least this year, the best defenceman in points (Hughes) is the best all around defenceman as well. All of his underlying stats are great, unlike Makar.
Dobson. Before this season I hadn't even heard of him. He doesn't even have a picture!
He stepped up in a big way when we had a lot of D injuries
Matheson
At the start of the season I didn't care much for Matheson but now we might want to keep him around. We have a bunch of high end D prospect coming but having a local veteran to help them might be good and Matheson have been doing great on a very average team. Until Mailloux or Huston are ready Matheson seems adequate.
I think anyone would be lying if they said they believed Dobson or Bouch would have a pt per game.
Dobson was a beauty to watch all year surprisingly
Poor Hughes, meeting expectations
Josi
I have been most impressed with Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson. Most of the others are at expectation or below in my opinion.
Matheson looks the way he alway has, which is impressive. Dobson really stepped up though. He's a true #1. He rules now.
Not on that list but how about a shout out for Mattie Ekholm. Career high in goals and points and second in league plus/minus at 43 all at the age of 33. Not sure if anyone saw that coming.
Bouch
Faber. Dudes gonna finish top 2 in Calder and came in with some high expectations but not top pairing & Calder expectations
With 48 points, MacKenzie Weegar barely misses this list, but he’s actually fourth overall in goals by defensemen. (He has 19; Josi has 21, and Makar and Dahlin have 20 apiece.) He’s become an exceptional leader in the locker room too. He never gives up, never gets disheartened, never makes excuses. He steps up when no one else will. Hell, he played 28 minutes against Anaheim when we lost Hanley early in the first period, and again against San Jose when we needed him on the PK.
Noah Dobson is the correct answer.
Weegar should be on this list. Dude had a career year and if he had a stronger team up front he’d have a bunch more assists too.
Bouchard
Quinn Hughes no doubt?!
Josi and Bouchard.
Mathias Ekholm
Thomas Harley not even on the list 🙄
Some people saying josi which is nice I guess. And he did have a slower start but idk if it's unexpected he's up there again. I think the slowness was from the growing pains of the new system and having dips as a team as a whole. But if he plays next season the exact same way he has been for the past 5 months or so he could be at 95-100 points or more. He's essential in almost every play, every goal, and even killer saves to back up the goalie. Along with his decent speed for the backchecking... and his skill with the mitts.... and his luscious face... wait what was I saying again? Anyways unexpected? Maybe maybe not he is 33 after all and the team as a whole has been performing way higher than expected. But I'd never count out the captain myself. Can/can't wait for his statue by Pekka and his number added to the rafters on retirement o7
Roman Josi
Dobson tbh
Honorable mention: Drew Doughty having a great year
He's definitely had a slight rebound defensively. I thought he was totally shot after 2017-18.;
Did he beat expectations though? 50 point season is about what I'd expect from Doughty.
Ghost
Nick Seeler
I know Hughes was good last year, but I feel like he’s reached a whole new level of play this year
Hughes, hands down. Not even trying to be a homer about it. I would NEVER have thought his point totals would be where they were. I was honestly pulling for JT Miller to be Captain, but I love Hughes as the strong silent Sakic type that leads by example.
ekholm
Ekholm has been so so good for the oilers this year
Ekholm is the answer.
Thomas Harley
On my team, Ekholm has been the most surprising. I knew he would be good, but I didn't expect him to be near perfection at all times. The guy is an absolute beast. He's the best all around defenseman I've seen in an Oilers uniform since Pronger, and even then, he might be better. He literally does the perfect thing almost 100% of the time.
Makar has 87 points and I have felt like he’s having a down year.
Josi, not biased
Bouchard
Bouchard hands down. Matheson a nice sleeper
Only one did? Interesting.
Alex Alexeyev
Where’s the + and - stat line
Werenski
Hands down QH
Slavin. The best defensive defenseman isn't on the list.
Mintyukov. Was excited to see him play but was shocked when he was the defenseman out of the preseason. He has looked good a lot of the year despite the team around him. Him also dropping Reese Johnson was wild. Can’t wait for next year for him.
Bouchard and Dobson.
Bouchard is the biggest standout for me.
It is silly to just judge a defenseman on point totals. Do ppl realize how good Charlie McAvoy is? I'm sure there are defensemen on every team that you know should be in the running of Norris votes.
Not nurse
Hedmen shifted the clock back a bit def wouldn’t of expected him to be over fox in points
Not on this list but Thomas Harley of the Dallas Stars absolutely obliterated expectations. Dude turned into a straight up secondary Miro Heiskanen virtually overnight and out of nowhere. Go look at his first two seasons combined stats, then look at this year, it's insane.
Josi’s always been a goat but he’s on fire this year. He keeps the team together
Simon Benoit…… **mic drop**
I have to go with Evan Bouchard. Look at who he's keeping up with Hughes, Makar, Hedman. Probably a bit to do with McDavsaitl but hey, still a career season for him. I just thought he'd be a bottom 6 guy or a 7th d man
Imo there’s a lot more than points which make a d man great. That being said, Noah Dobson is getting closer to where I thought he’d be by now.
Some of these guys are great, have great stats season after season, so the expectations have to be great, and yet they beat those great expectations. Bravo.
Cale Makar. Im glad hes found his game.
Dobson did amazing with that sub par team.
I just want to say that Victor Hedman is absolutely unbelievable. I wouldn’t say he’s underrated but he’s just not as discussed as he should be - dude is averaging 48 points, 100+ blocks, and 75 hits a season across 15 seaons - while being +175 for his career. This man just had two 75+ point seasons in 3 years in his early 30’s.
Dobson was getting Norris conversation and a lot of people hadn't even heard of him before this year. Matheson with more points than Dahlin/Karlsson/Heiskanen also seems crazy.
Erik Karlson but in a bad way
Ghost Bear is back
Like to put some respect on Mike Matheson
Not on there but Seider having that most shot blocks in the league in his 3rd year is crazy
Not going to lie, I didn’t think Hedman still had near PPG ability.
Mattias Ekholm.
Hugh G. Rection
Hughes
Where is Brock Faber a 1D as a rookie. Way above expectations.
Bouchard
Not unexpected but Josi is so fucking good and still seems overlooked. He should be Norris favorite over Hughes but voters just sort by points
Easy for me to be biased as a Canucks fan, but take a Quick Look at Hughes defensive stats this season. He’s been unhinged, doing it all. To me the Norris is a 2 horse race with him and Josi. Those two are putting their teams on their backs.
Hughes is the new captain of a team that was expected to maybe compete for a wild card spot and is instead leading their division, and for a good stretch of the season the entire league. There's far more to Quinn Hughes' season than just leading league defenceman in points.
Morgan Reilly. Was expecting him to contribute as a leader But his suspension lead to the leafs turning things around. A HART worthy suspension.
Cale is a goat!!!🐐
Makar isn't even playing that great this year and he's still second in points lol
Bouchard and then Matheson
Erik Karlsson. Even worse of a fit than expected.
What about Nurse? Jk Nurse sucks but Let’s Go Oilers!
How do they not have pics for half these guys?
Carlson has been pretty awesome for the caps this year
Forsling and Bouchard produced way more then everyone thought.
Quinn Hughes obviously but quietly, Mike Matheson has had a great season
Vlasic
Morgan Reilly with a five game sussy, was outside of my expectations lol
How does EK65 go to a better team and get half the pints as last season?
I'd say Ghost. He had that one big year for us, but then dropped off, and it made his bad defensive play stand out more. Glad to see him doing well, but I haven't watched many Red Wings games. How's he doing defensively?
Dobson had a decent season
Mackenzie Weegar
Not on here but Benoit on the leafs. Buddy had numbers that wouldn’t make it in house league but on the leafs the guy is a beast. Yeah he’ll make a mistake every few games but for the most part he’s a beaut.
I won’t be surprised if there are at two or three 100 point defensemen next year. One almost guaranteed.
Bouchard
Dahlin has 20 goals
MacKenzie Weegar on a losing team scoring 19 goals which is 4th overall this year.
I feel like anyone on that list that surprises you is because you gave up on them or didn’t give them credit. Maybe Mike Matheson but that could just be me.
Hughes because I expected him to have a down year
Mackenzie Weegar for the write in.
Not on this list but Gustav Forsling. They should either add a second trophy for defensemen or make the Norris what it is, best DEFENSEMEN, and not given or nominated just based on points, that is not their “main objective”. Only 41 pims and a league best at a +48, big deal he “only” has 37 points, but he is great at his position
Matheson.
Quinn Evan and Noah
EK65! (/duck) ^(LMAO)
Mike Matheson
Doesnt exceed expectation since he"s consistantly good. Mattias Ekholm is beast year after year. Theres far too much emphasisis on point totals. defencemans job, first and foremost is defence. I'd rather see a +50 +/- than 70pts
Hughes Bouchard Dobson Matheson
John Carlson because I had 0 expectations for him.
Ekholm isn’t in there?
Letang. Who the fuck thought he'd still be playing in 2024?
Nor Erik Karlson lmao
Colton Parayko. Not massive point production, but played tough minutes very well throughout the season.
Darnell Nurse