The end-of-season awards in the NHL are still a long way off, but it’s hard to argue that anyone has put themselves in a better position early in the year than Cale Makar to snag the Norris Trophy. So far, it’s been a dream season for Makar, at least from a productivity standpoint, and those new to the game might just mistake him for a forward, thanks to the numbers he’s put up.
If you’re a Colorado Avalanche fan and you’re just now tuning into the season, Makar has put on a clinic in terms of points production. Heading into Tuesday Night’s Frozen Frenzy, Makar has two goals and 12 points, putting him on pace for 164 points this season.
No, he won’t reach that level, but it’s safe to say he’s once again among those who opponents just don’t want to play against. But with that, who might just be his closest contenders? Let’s talk about three players who will look to try and find a way to surpass Makar as the season wears on.
1 - Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
Josh Morrissey has been one of the better scorers on the Winnipeg Jets this season, and so far, he’s been a nightmare on both ends of the ice. Defensively, he’s posted 13 blocks across 24-plus minutes of average total ice time, but that’s nothing compared to his time possessing the puck.
Through just five games, Morrissey has seven points and a goal, which also gives him forward-like numbers. Should he keep up this ultra-solid play, he’s Cale Makar’s biggest threat to pass for the Norris.
2 - Jake Sanderson, Ottawa Senators
At the beginning of the season, Jake Sanderson was one of the last players I thought would make a list like this. No, not because I don’t think he’s that good, but it’s more about the team that he plays for. Ottawa, once again, isn’t looking great, but you can’t say the same for Sanderson.
So far, Sanderson has nearly 26 minutes of average total ice time and, like Morrissey, has snagged seven points and a goal. But his overall output may be a bit better, with 18 blocks, six hits, and five takeaways. Put him onto a team as talented as the Jets, and Sanderson is probably ahead of Morrissey at the moment.
3 - Shea Theodore, Vegas Golden Knights
Finally, we got Shea Theodore, who is currently reminding everyone that he’s still a force as he heads into the middle of his career. Overall, Theodore doesn’t have the same defensive numbers as Josh Morrissey or Jake Sanderson, but he’s still keeping pace, with seven points and a goal in six games.
As it stands, Morrissey, Sanderson, and Theodore are all at least a light year behind Makar, but one small slip-up or a lean stretch from the Avalanche’s favorite defenseman could land any of these three into more than just serious contention for the Norris.